Am I a Leader? A Mom’s Perspective on Leadership

Do you see yourself as a leader?

“Leadership is not a title, it’s an attitude.”

I’ve heard this quote many times, and every time, I smile. Because if leadership is about guiding, motivating, and sometimes surviving chaos with a straight face—then yes, I see myself as a leader. A rather unexpected one.

From childhood, I had this knack of stepping up—be it organizing a game, leading a group project, or simply ensuring everyone got their fair share of the last chocolate. People often saw in me a confidence that I wasn’t always aware of. But here’s the twist: my real leadership training began after motherhood.

Think about it—being a mom is like being a CEO of a 24/7 start-up that runs on minimum sleep, maximum energy, and unpredictable employees (aka kids). I don’t just manage tasks; I manage meltdowns, negotiations, time crises, and even diplomatic peace talks over who gets the bigger slice of pizza. “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”—but sometimes, it’s also about hiding the chocolate so you can have a peaceful five minutes.

I’ve discovered that leadership doesn’t always look like a boardroom with sharp suits and PowerPoints. Sometimes, it looks like convincing a toddler that broccoli is a tree from a magical forest. Sometimes, it’s managing three kids with three different moods while keeping the family ship sailing smoothly. That, my friend, is not less than leading a small nation.

Of course, people management skills have been my secret weapon. Be it at work, with friends, or at home, I’ve learned how to listen, motivate, and adapt. Leadership is about making people feel valued—even if they are five years old and their most pressing demand is a second scoop of ice cream.

Humor, I’ve realized, is also a leader’s best tool. If you can laugh through spilled milk, broken crayons, and workplace chaos, you’ll win more hearts than you think.

“True leadership is about serving others.” And sometimes serving means literally serving dinner before complaints pile up.

So, am I a leader? Absolutely. And not just any leader—I am a leader who leads with love, patience, and yes, the occasional secret stash of chocolate.

Thought to Ponder:
Maybe leadership is not about commanding others, but about inspiring them—whether they are colleagues, friends, or little humans who still believe superheroes exist.