"أنا لست تابعًا أنا قائد وأي شخص يعبر عن رأيه يتعرض دائمًا للنقد"

Being a leader means stepping out of the comfortable shadows of following and daring to speak your own mind. This idea is about the courage that comes with leadership. When you speak up, you break free from the crowd. And let's face it, that's not always a popular move. It's like standing on a stage in front of a crowd that's used to silence and suddenly saying something they don't want to hear. There will be critics. But here's the thing: It's the leaders who drive change, not the followers.

Think about a time in history when this was relevant. Take Martin Luther King Jr., for example. He wasn't a follower. He had a dream, and he spoke out about it. People criticized him, threatened him, and tried to silence him. But he kept speaking and leading. His courage to speak up against injustice led to massive changes in civil rights in America. Imagine if he had chosen to follow instead. The world might be a very different place today.

Now, let's bring this to a day-to-day situation. Picture yourself in a company meeting. Everyone agrees on a new project plan that you think is flawed. Maybe it's because the timeline is unrealistic or the resources are inadequate. Instead of nodding along, you decide to voice your concerns. Initially, it feels like the room gets colder. Colleagues might roll their eyes, managers might frown. But then, something shifts. Others start to think about your points. Maybe the plan gets revised, maybe it doesn't, but you've planted a seed of critical thinking. You've shown you're not afraid to lead, even if it means facing criticism.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, it's about having the confidence to speak up. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. It's not about being a rebel for the sake of it; it's about making a difference. Second, be prepared for the backlash. Criticism is part of the package. Think of it as a sign you're doing something right. If everyone agrees with you all the time, maybe you’re not challenging the status quo enough. Lastly, stay true to your values. Leadership is as much about integrity as it is about courage.

Imagine you're hosting a family dinner. The topic of conversation turns to a controversial issue. Maybe it's politics, or a new family rule. Everyone seems to agree, but you have a different perspective. You know that sharing your view might stir the pot, but you do it anyway. Yes, there are a few awkward moments. Maybe a heated debate follows. But you stand your ground, calmly explaining your viewpoint. Even if minds aren't changed immediately, you've opened up a dialogue. Next time, others might feel empowered to share their thoughts too.

So there you have it. Leading and speaking your mind isn't always easy. You'll face criticism – that's a given. But remember, real change doesn't come from the echo of agreement. It comes from the voice of dissent. Lead with courage, speak with conviction, and you'll make a difference.