We have always been told to be polite and let others go first; however, that is not always good advice. If we find we are waiting on someone else to do something that needs to be done, it may never happen. Leadership is about getting things done and sometimes that means we have to step up and be first getting things in motion.

Looking back on powerful leaders in our history such as George Washington, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Benjamin Franklin and others, we can only imagine what may not have been accomplished without them stepping up and going first to make a change for the better
for everyone. We know of great leaders in our work, our communities and in our churches who decide to go first to begin to put things in motion. If it weren’t for them, others may have possibly stepped up, but what if they did not?

There are times when we need to be first. We need to set the example. We need to
step up and take charge. If we don’t and no one else does either, things may stay the same or even get worse. There are things that need to be done just about wherever we go. If others are not stepping up to get those things done, that may be a sign that we need to step up and be first.

Once we have gone first, once we have stepped out and lead by example, we will find that others will follow. We can be the one who goes first and that will be an encouragement to others to get out of their comfort zone and not wait for someone to go first next time. If we have a passion about getting something done, there is no reason to wait for someone else to go first. We can make the first move.

What are some things you are waiting on to get done? Some changes you want to see in your work? In your community? In your life? Decide to be first today and take that first step to make a change. You don’t always have to let others go first. What is your passion? What can you do today to make a difference?