Follow the LeaderLeadership is a term that cannot be easily defined. According to Ben Silverstein, author of “Managing People: Secrets to Leading for New Managers,” being a leader is not a right, it is a privilege granted by those you lead. (Silverstein 2009, p. 115) To lead, there must be people willing to follow. The privilege of being a leader is obtained based on choices and actions. Leadership is truly a way of life for the leader and for those who choose to follow them. There are many opportunities for a person to follow a leader. They are found in homes, schools, churches, education, businesses, communities and government. There are good leaders and bad leaders. Samuel C. Certo, author of Supervision: Concepts and Skill-Building defines leadership as “influencing people to act or not act in a certain way.” (Certo 2007, p. 199) A person can adopt different leadership styles such as authoritarian, laissez-faire, or democratic. For example, Adolf Hitler demonstrated an authoritarian leadership style. It is a style in which the leader maintains great authority. Our government demonstrates a democratic leadership style that allows us, as citizens, to participate in decision-making and problem-solving through voting. A laissez-faire leadership style is one where the leader is uninvolved and allows his or her subordinates to direct themselves. Buchanan 2At school, there are leaders as students and teachers. Peer pressure is a recurring problem among students. Those who demonstrate leadership qualities are able to stick to their own values ​​and avoid peer pressure. Sometimes students have to make tough choices about peer pressure, but as long as they stick to their values, it's a bad day. (Galindo 2009, p. 109-110) Final Thoughts: It is obvious to me that effective leadership develops within itself. It is based on personal experiences and continuous growth. Effective leadership is a lifelong commitment and journey grounded in personal responsibility and accountability. To be an effective leader, there must be people willing to follow. One thing is constant: change. The ability to perceive and adapt to changes in our lives defines who we are every day. Every minute of every day we are faced with many choices. Our ability to make choices and assume the consequences of our choices demonstrates our ability to become effective leaders. Not all leaders are effective leaders, but with training and experience, I believe the possibilities are endless. Everyone has a chance; they just need to take it.