6 Capacities for Change-Makers to Ignite Your Leadership Potential

As leader-facilitators who work to change the world for the better, you are often focused on developing others' capacity. But what about your own? Here are six capacities, innate abilities you already have and can strengthen to better support your work in the world.

1. Passion: This is the force, fire, and fuel that keeps you moving forward. I'm going to make a big assumption here since we are in the youth and human service field... I am guessing that you have an unshakable faith in human potential to do good in the world. Your passion is the love of human beings. Strengthen your passion by allowing yourself to be surprised with the good and amazing things humans do. Pay attention to people who are doing good and amazing things. Let go of your expectations and allow yourself to be surprised by other humans.

2. Perseverance: This is your ability to keep going in spite of obstacles. Yes, passion gives a lot of fuel, but we all know that terrible things will be thrown up in your way—challenges, roadblocks based on hate and fear. Strengthen your perseverance by preparing in advance. Collect messages of love, praise, and gratitude for you and your work. I know it sounds like too much, but will you trust me? Reach out to people you have worked with over the years. Here's the ask: “I’m updating my testimonials on LinkedIn. Would you mind offering a couple sentences in response to this question: What are you able to do now as a result of our work together? ” These messages will serve as reminders of your impact and will fuel your perseverance in challenging times.

3. Possibility: As a leader-facilitator, it's crucial to keep an open mind and embrace possibility. Open yourself to new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. Listen deeply to others, truly seeking to understand their viewpoints. Let go of rigid expectations and be willing to explore uncharted territories. By embracing possibility, you expand your capacity to see possibility within others and help them bring about meaningful change in the world.

4. Presence: The ability to be fully present in the moment is a powerful leadership capacity. Practice being fully attentive and engaged with the people and situations around you. Cultivate active listening skills, empathy, and non-judgmental awareness. When you are fully present, you create a space for deeper connection, understanding, and collaboration.

5. Pleasure: Don't forget to prioritize pleasure and fun in your leadership journey. Let your leadership be fun. That means taking time to reflect on what you enjoy within the process of leading-facilitating. And do more of it. This helps your own well-being and radiates positive energy to those you lead.

6. Power: Courage is an essential aspect of leadership. Embrace your personal power and develop the courage to take risks, make difficult decisions, and stand up for what you believe in. Recognize that your actions and words have the potential to inspire and influence others. Strengthen your power by consistently pushing beyond your comfort zone and embracing new challenges.

As you continue to develop these capacities, remember that leadership growth is an ongoing journey. Nurture these innate abilities within yourself and watch as they amplify your impact on the world. I see the possibility in you. You have the potential to be a remarkable leader who not only transforms others but also experiences personal growth and fulfillment along the way. Keep shining your light and inspiring change! We’ve got your back. ❤️