Normally we think of leadership as an appointed position. You work for years jumping through hoops until someone with authority grants you authority as well. With that authority comes leverage over other people—they must obey you or suffer the consequences. But that’s not leadership—it’s management.

Management has its place. Good managers provide structure, clarity, and stability. But managing people isn’t the same as inspiring them. When people are only being managed, they tend to do just enough to avoid getting in trouble or just enough to qualify for the next rung on the ladder.

Real leaders operate differently. They set the example. They earn respect long before they’re given authority, and sometimes without ever receiving it. People follow them because they want to, not because they’re required to. Real leaders do the necessary things others hesitate to do, and they do it with a level of grace that makes others feel braver, not smaller.

Anyone can be a real leader. You don’t need permission.