Are you a leader?

"I thank everyone for choosing me as their leader"

Before you start probing on who said that quote, let me tell you- it was framed by no one. Just a random thing I picked up from a corner of my brain. So yea, let me start directly with what I want to ask you- Who, according to you, is a leader? Dictionary.com defines the word 'leader' as 'a person or thing that leads' or 'a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group'. In simpler terms, a leader is the one who leads you. A leader is someone who represents you. A leader is someone who knows how to be a leader, isn't it? In today's world, leaders are being chosen by power, money and recognition. But did you know, that there's a leader inside YOU? This might seem like a dumb question, but think about it. Do you think you have all the stuff that make a leader?

In my opinion, a leader isn't one who is capable to lead; a leader is in fact one who knows how to present himself. As you might've read in one of my previous blogs, I'm a huge fan of Narnia. In the second part of the film series, Aslan says that Prince Caspian is fit to be the Narnian king since he knows that he is 'not ready for the responsibility'. Believe me, that's who a true leader is. Leaders shouldn't be chosen by outward appearances. Appearances are 'bred in the eye'. You may think someone who looks smart can be a leader, but did you know, that a leader is much more than that.

A leader is someone who's simple. A leader is someone who is compassionate. A leader is someone who knows how to differentiate between his responsibilities and his duties. To be a leader, one needs to have not leadership qualities, but just a dignified personality. Personality works wonders. To make a leader, the most important ingredients would be compassion and recognition. Recognising one's duties is like the most major thing a leader needs. Any leader needn't be someone who scores 100% in their academics. Even a failure can become a leader, as long as he has the guts and a dignified spirit. 

But remember one thing. Being a leader isn't as simple as it seems. Being a leader requires you to have control over yourselves. One wrong action, and all your reputation goes in vain. The huge number of responsibilities may confound you, beware! A leader doesn't just assume office by getting elected or nominated, but he assumes office after a lot of expectations get placed in front of him. Any leader may be from a terrible background, but may prove to be the best of his kind. After all, the old saying goes, 'NEVER judge a book by its cover'.

So now, think again. Do you really have what it takes to be a leader in you? Do you really think being a leader is as easy as it seems? Celebrating an entire year of being the Blue House Captain of my school, here's Harini, signing off this blog. Feedback expected!!