Leaders go first.

In any sense, leadership begins with an example. The best leaders are those who are willing to make the first effort. They’re often the first to arrive, and the last to leave. When they communicate expectations, they are willing and able to follow up with a demonstration. True leaders will never ask someone to do something they wouldn’t. Leaders understand the operation and can step in whenever needed… but they know when and what to delegate, and empower those around them to seize opportunities.

True leaders are not threatened by your growth. Instead, they encourage it, because they know that the success of any community rests on their ability to develop prominent, capable, impactful leaders.

Leaders don’t gatekeep; they open doors to new possibilities.

Leaders don’t dictate; they communicate.

Leaders don’t micromanage; they guide.

Leaders listen and encourage healthy discussion, and remain calm and measured when delivering feedback. Leaders hold others *and* themselves accountable to the same standards. In times of conflict, leaders work toward solutions that make all involved parties better.

Leaders build and participate in a community in order to understand its needs, and to determine how they are best equipped to serve those needs. Leaders are not interested in power, but in doing their part as tone-setters to produce impact at the collective and individual levels. To accomplish this, leaders must have good judgment as to when and how to get involved – and sometimes, that means stepping back from the spotlight to let others shine. Leaders don’t need credit for your accomplishments. Seeing you achieve is credit enough, as it signals your emergence from the stable, nurturing environment they have helped produce.

Leadership is not a trait or a title bestowed upon us from somebody else. It’s an intrinsic understanding of the challenges facing our communities, and our ability to produce solutions.

Regardless of title, experience level, or one’s station in life, there is a leader inside each of us.

We find that leader by first getting in touch with our own values, utilizing our experiences and the perspectives gained to inform our idea of a better world. We adopt the consistent actions that align with those values, and make it our mission to address anything standing in the way. From there, our vision takes shape. What does that better world look like? Sound like? Feel like? What impact is brought about by the change we create, and who benefits?

How is that impact bigger than any one individual’s success?

Once we’ve answered that question, it becomes much easier to attract and build alongside our fellow builders. We offer each other support, accountability, and guidance. We approach each other with humility and respect for the unique perspectives, traits, and abilities that each individual possesses. All the while, each individual’s sword is sharpened by the growing sense of community. As we continue leading ourselves to do our part, the example we set inspires those around us to develop the leader within.

Leaders produce more leaders, and leaders grow together.

P.S.: We’re growing our own international community of leaders – artists and creatives alike – as we re-define the music industry. If this piece resonated with you, consider becoming an UnderDog!