“Leaders come in many forms, with many styles and diverse qualities. There are quiet leaders and leaders one can hear in the next country. Some find strength in eloquence, some in judgement, and some in courage.” –John W. Gardner

When you think of a leader, what qualities come to mind? I bet most of us think of someone driven, envisioned, intelligent, loud, firm, and determined. I bet you think of an extroverted, larger-than-life personality that can enrapture a room. Everyone notices a leader. Everyone wants to be like that leader. Or, maybe that isn’t what exactly comes to mind.

I think that society has come to define leadership in somewhat superficial terms. Let’s face it- most of us look to leaders who are exciting and full of spirit. Someone energetic. Someone entertaining. Someone everyone wants to be. But maybe we focus so much on this idea of leadership that we forget the other types of leaders that are often overshadowed by this larger-than-life image.

So, what is leadership? What does it look like? I mean deeper than the surface. Some leaders don’t stand in the spotlight, but they lead in their own powerful and influential way. Some leaders just lead by example. It’s all about their determined mindset and their quiet yet sturdy will and persona that provides a quiet yet unshakeable strength. Leaders are often the quiet ones. People look at them from afar and admire them. They don’t ask for attention. They don’t ask to be followed. People simply follow them because they are worthy of that kind of respect. These kind of leaders have unshakeable yet quiet willpower. They have passion and vision and the desire to better themselves. They don’t do what’s acceptable or popular, but they have the inner strength and mental focus to follow their vision and follow the path that gets them there no matter how difficult it may be. They aren’t phased by the world because they run it. They make the world a more genuine place just by being true to themselves. They don’t ask for favors and they don’t make excuses. They make hard choices and do hard things if they believe in their cause. They sacrifice for people they don’t know in the hope that they might make a difference. They love people unconditionally no matter who’s hurt them because they understand their own worth, but they also understand their own humanity and fallibility. They don’t just get back up when they fall, but they stand up ten times stronger than before. They don’t look to others to validate them. They are real with themselves, and they come to terms with their strengths and their weaknesses. They aren’t breakable because they know their weaknesses but understand that those weaknesses only go as far as they let them. They hold others accountable because they hold themselves accountable. And most importantly, they understand how to lead because they know how to be lead. The best leaders I’ve ever known are the ones people often overlook because they’re looking for some larger-than-life character. You don’t have to be loud; you don’t have to be rowdy. You don’t have to be larger-than-life to catch people’s attention. Live with a quiet yet determined purpose. Know yourself and know your worth. Live strong; live unwaveringly. Lead with quiet passion, strength, and determination. Actions speak louder than words. Lead loud.