“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” – Maria Robinson

Every leader is different.  Each one has unique strengths and weaknesses, a unique personality, a unique set of interests and passions, and so on.  No two leaders are alike, and there is generally no single “correct” way to lead.  Every leader has to find their own path.

That being said, on a broad level, you can group leaders (and people in general) into two groups.  There are those who think that the choices they make and the actions they take matter, and that they’re steering the vehicle of their career or their business where they want it to go.  And then there are those who think they’re just along for the ride.

The second group would never admit it, and they probably don’t even know it.  I’ve only ever heard two leaders say, “Nothing I do matters”, or “I don’t have any control over anything”, or “There’s no point in trying because it won’t make a difference”, or anything similar.  The two leaders I have heard say those things stand out for just how poorly their organizations perform in an industry with otherwise wild success.

Regardless of what any leader actually says, it becomes obvious very quickly which leaders really believe they can have an impact.  Those are the leaders who are always looking for improvement, always trying to tweak things, always asking questions and searching for ways to achieve more.  Those who don’t believe don’t do any of those things.

It really boils down to this: If you think you can impact what goes on, and you think your choices and actions matter, then you’ll make choices and take actions that you believe will take you where you want to go.  If you don’t think what you choose or do matters, then why bother?  You won’t do anything.

Here’s the bad news:  A big percentage of leaders, and most people, fall into that second, “Nothing I do matters” category.  They just go wherever the wind blows them, which in most cases is nowhere. 

Think about yourself.  How do you view the ride you’re on?  Are you actively steering yourself where you want to go?  Or are you just hanging on, letting the ride take you wherever it wants?

Everyone was put on this earth for a reason, and passivity is no one’s reason.  If you think you’re just along for the ride, think again.  Especially if you’re a leader.  Grab the wheel and get to work.