Facilitator Talk N2: Are you a Leader? by Felipe Salgado

December 29, 2023

Joao Pedro Grilo

This series is dedicated to past Global Leadership Training Program(GLTP) facilitators to share part of their Leadership journey and how joining GLTP helped them in their own leadership path.

Are You a Leader?

In the last five years as an educator, I've asked many people — students, coworkers, and friends — if they think they are leaders. Most say no unless they have a job as a manager or director. People usually think you're only a leader if you have a special title. But I think this idea is too restrictive. Let’s think about leadership in a new way. What if being a leader is more about how you act and help others reach their goals? Just having a big job doesn't always mean you're a good leader. It's more important to look at what someone does and how they help others.

Leader from the Front

We all know the famous leaders who lead from the front. They are easy to see and they take charge of big projects. They work hard to solve problems and keep their teams feeling strong, especially when things get tough. But sometimes, this makes them seem too different from us, which can make us feel like we can't be leaders too.

Leader from Beside

Then there are the leaders who lead from beside. They might not be famous, but they are just as important. These leaders help and work together with others. They might not be the ones making the big decisions, but they help get things done. Think about a friend who helps you when you’re struggling, or someone who teaches you something new. These leaders might not always get attention, but they are a big part of the team’s success.

Leader from Behind

Leaders from behind might not be noticed, but they have a big effect. They are the ones who help us succeed without asking for credit. They could be our guardians who support us financially and emotionally, or people who teach us valuable lessons. It’s hard sometimes to see these people, but they have helped us a lot.

Leader from Inside

And don't forget about being your own leader — leading from inside. This means you guide yourself with honesty and hard work. The choices you make every day are up to you, and they can affect others too. We all lead ourselves, and being aware of this can help us make better choices.

To end, we all play different leadership roles at different times. We can be leaders without having a title. Our actions and how we treat others show our true leadership. Being a leader means making a positive difference.

“When things change inside you, things change around you.”