Leadership: You don't have to stand in front

People always think that being a leader requires you to be standing in front, guiding the group, shouting out directions, giving orders. In the corporate world, she or he would be standing on stage, sharing the company's vision, making bold statements and urging the worker bees to do their part.

However, there's only so much room at the top, and not everyone has the charisma or willingness to put themselves in the spotlight. To be that kind of leader requires extreme confidence, strong nerves and a loud voice. And many other attributes - most of us don't have any combination of such superhuman qualities, does that mean our climb up the social and corporate ladder has come to a premature end?

True leadership does not depend on where you are standing, how much you're being paid, or how many degrees you have. What matters is that you're willing to take the initiative, speak up for what is important, and be willing to help others who need a hand.

In fact, we need more leaders who walk at the back - encouraging those who are struggling, urging them to keep up the fight and offering words of concern. Some stand in the middle, feeling the pain and difficulties of the masses, understanding what most people are experiencing and giving suggestions on how things can be improved for the better.

Often those in front tend to be distant from the daily chaos most of us encounter. But it is these proactive individuals that have decided to make a difference, emerging from within the hierarchy and making an impact on the lives of those around them.

So even if you're not designated a leader, look for opportunities where you can offer your knowledge, skills or ideas. They are there if you choose to take them.