The belief
A senior leads. Holding a title, an age, or a position isn’t holding anything. The questions that matter are what you’re actually holding: action? inspiration? joy? warmth? strength with restraint? intelligence with empathy and intention? kindness?
Where it comes from
I’ve watched people, at work and in families, claim authority because of the rank they hold rather than what they give. And I’ve watched quiet people with no title lead a whole room because everyone trusted them.
How it shows up for me
For me, leading looks like love in action: attention, detail, respect, self-respect, boundaries, communication, listening, feedback, and actually living life, honestly and openly. It applies at home with my kids as much as with a team.
I fall short when I’m tired. On those days I reach for “because I said so,” which is exactly the rank I say I don’t believe in.