This post is a fabulous example of instigating leadership Erin!  One of the things that makes you the authentic leader that you are is that you truly do walk your talk and this story is a case in point.

Reminds me of the story of Kitty Genovese (Malcolm Gladwell tells this story in his book The Tipping Point).  A woman was attacked multiple times on a city street.  And although countless people saw it no one did anything and it cost her life.

We can so easily get lulled into a sort of slumber that someone else will take care of "it" whatever "it" happens to be.  I'd venture to say it happens to all of us.  And when we notice we let it happen, and it is too late, it is an opportunity to be more awake the next time (rather than beat ourselves up).  Your story is a great reminder to stay awake.

Yet leadership begins with a fundamental belief grounded in personal responsibility.  The belief is that - "it" is up to me, because I choose to take responsibility not only for my life but for the world around me.  Sometimes that means we are the ones to speak up, step up, or stand up.  Other times we instigate others to do so, but leaders more often than not choose NOT to look the other way.