Close your eyes. Think of your ideal leader. They’re probably outgoing, bubbly, friendly, and maybe even a little chatty - but you don’t really think of the quiet folks, do you?

In most eyes, being a leader means being loud. It means being able to take charge, and being comfortable and able to approach any situation.

However, contrary to popular belief, being loud doesn’t make you a leader.

The concept behind being a leader is simple - it’s someone you can look up to, trust, and follow. Being a leader is about having the ability to connect to a wide variety of individuals. It’s about listening, and it’s about taking the time to think outside yourself.

Think about it, if you were to fill a room with leaders, all of whom were outgoing, loud, and very bubbly, what would that look like? It would be chaotic. Everyone would be struggling to be heard - struggling to get out the one piece of advice they’ve practiced for days. No one would be focusing on those around them, because they’d be too busy trying to be noticed.

Now imagine a room with leaders, all of whom are soft spoken, observant, and reserved, what would that look like? It would be a desert. Everyone would be waiting for someone to speak up in hopes that they’d have something to feed off of - waiting to hear something that sparks a memory within their brain. No one would be advocating, because they’d be too busy trying to cling to any sign of life.

That’s why being a leader is so much more than how loud, or how outgoing you are. That’s why you can’t ever settle for one "type" of leader - that’s why you need to choose leaders based off what’s on the inside, not what is outwardly portrayed.

Sometimes all another individual needs is an ear to listen, or a mouth to speak the words they cannot say. Sometimes it’s a simple hug, or a heartfelt statement. Sometimes it’s a powerful movement, and sometimes it’s a small break.

Everyone needs a leader, but not everyone shows immediate capabilities in becoming one.

So reach out to the quiet people. Listen to what they’re saying. Hear what they are thinking; because chances are, they hold an entirely different perspective than you (possibly even a few answers you’ve fallen short on).