This phrase popped in my head the other day: <em>everyday leadership</em>. You can demonstrate personal leadership without the title. At the Lead Change Group, we are all about that.

It's easy to underestimate the way we <em>lead</em> our own lives or inspire others. A seemingly small gesture of support or a word of encouragement can make such a difference.

I asked my community of colleagues what they do, or aspire to do, in daily life that displays <em>everyday leadership</em>. Check out this inspiration for your <em>everyday leadership</em>.

<h3>You Can't Afford For Compassion To Be Inconvenient</h3>

There is no one way to express everyday leadership. From a colleague and fellow local entrepreneur, Chris, it means, “Showing compassion, even when it might hurt today’s execution!” That’s a tough one. How do you balance treating humans at work humanly, and still get the work done?

<h3>Make Sure Other Are Heard</h3>

Christine Odunlami, an aspiring HR professional, told me this: “I exercise leadership by helping and encouraging everyone's opinion and presence to be welcomed openly. I believe that everyone in a team has valuable input - and I aim to allow a positive space for input to be voiced and recognized.”

What a gift. Our world is in such a hurry. It can be difficult to find a space to voice your much-needed opinion. Thank goodness Christine is working to make room for you.

<h3>Service With Integrity & Trust</h3>

A fellow Lead Change Group instigator, Jeffrey Heinichen says he aims to lead every day like this. “Through service to others with integrity and trust, through the changes that are occurring daily, with no regard to who gets the credit.” Yes, humility and integrity play a big role.

<h3>Stand Up For Someone Else</h3>

Paula Kiger, the gifted and resourceful coordinator of our online Lead Change presence, reminds us that everyday leadership can play out like this. "It can happen in any age group or environment. Having seen my share of bullying behaviors among my kids' peers, I would say it can be something as simple as a kid saying to another kid who is being unkind: "Hey, lay off him, let's go get a snack (or whatever diversion works)." Good idea! Everyday leadership can occur at any age and in just about any circumstance. Adults can learn from this example too.

<h3>Put Judgment Aside</h3>

Another fellow instigator and advocate of unconditional positive regard, Jane Perdue, put it this way. “I see everyday leadership as being kind, giving people the benefit of the doubt, and seeking to understand rather than judging. Embracing vulnerability.” Thank you, Jane. Your example continues to inspire me.

<h3>Everyday leadership Of Myself, My life & Others</h3>

Lead Change instigator Page Cole makes it easy for us with a list. To Page, everyday leadership means that his day is a success if he's done one of the following:

<ol>
<li>Learned something new.</li>
<li>Looked for someone to encourage or help.</li>
<li>Invested in the success of some person or organization beyond me.</li>
<li>Belly laughed.</li>
</ol>

<h3>Acknowledge The Invisible.</h3>

What’s my own personal goal for everyday leadership? It may be a stretch to call this leadership, but it is my goal for every person I encounter, to make their day better because they ran into me. I particularly like to acknowledge those that may seem invisible in our daily lives.

Examples for me are people who provide services. Like the clerk behind a cafe counter or the person keeping a parking lot clean. I want them to know they matter, at least to me.