It’s Time to Lead — And You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Start

It’s Time to Lead — And You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Start

For a long time, many women have been told to stay quiet, stay small, and follow others. We’ve been told that being a good woman means letting someone else take the lead. But that time is over.

Now, more than ever, it’s time for women to step up and lead. Not just at work or in politics, but at home, in our relationships, in our communities, and in our everyday lives. Leading doesn’t mean you have to know everything. It doesn’t mean you have to be loud or bossy or always in charge. Leading means you care enough to guide others and help make things better.

Leading vs. Following Isn’t a Fight

Some people think that leading means you can never follow. That’s not true. Being a leader doesn’t mean you never take advice or support others. In fact, good leaders do both. They know when to lead and when to follow someone who has wisdom or experience.

It’s not about control. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself — and helping shape it in a positive way.

You can be a leader and still be gentle. You can lead and still listen. You can follow someone else’s lead when it’s right, and take the lead when it’s your turn. Leadership is not about ego. It’s about service, strength, and showing up.

What If You Feel Nervous About Leading?

You’re not alone. A lot of women feel nervous or unsure when it’s time to lead. Maybe you’ve never been asked to lead before. Maybe you’ve been told you’re “too much” or “not enough.” Or maybe you worry that others won’t listen or respect you.

That’s okay. Feeling unsure is normal. What matters is what you do next.

Here are a few things to remember when you feel reluctant to lead:

• Start small. You don’t have to change the whole world in one day. Start by speaking up in a meeting, taking charge of a group project, or organizing something in your community.

• Practice confidence. Confidence grows with action. Every time you try, you build courage. You don’t have to feel 100% ready to take the first step.

• Ask for support. Leaders aren’t alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and lift you up.

• Let go of perfection. You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to be present and willing.

• Own your story. The life you’ve lived, the lessons you’ve learned, and the care you show — these make you a powerful leader already.

Your Leadership Is Needed

The world needs more women in leadership — not just in politics or business, but in families, schools, and neighborhoods. We need women who lead with love, vision, and wisdom. We need women who build community, who bring people together, and who aren’t afraid to lead with both strength and softness.

So no, you don’t have to choose between leading or following. You can do both. What matters is knowing your voice matters, your actions matter, and your leadership — no matter how it looks — is valuable.

Take the lead when it’s your time. Support others when it’s theirs. But always remember: the world moves forward when women rise.

And you? You’re ready.