you take the lead

During my last visit to Ghana there was one phrase repeated time and time again. 

In the beginning it left me confused, but after a while, I put it all together. 

At the family reunion one family relative came up to me and said..

“Mandell, no one is at home so I will take the lead.”

When I was heading to the village ahead of others..

“Oh Mandell, you are taking the lead.”

On the nights when we were hanging out late, right before going home, someone would stand up and say..

“I am taking the lead..”

“I am taking the lead.”

= Going first.

It’s about leadership, risk, and responsibility. 

It's about picking yourself..

and not waiting to be picked. 

Yes, I will go ahead. 

Yes, I will lead.

Yes, I will make a decision. 

As I look around, I can’t help but notice how many situations would benefit from individuals raising their hands and saying..

“I will take the lead.” 

No one has to ask me. 

I will step up. 

I will take it on. 

The next time you are aware of a situation lacking a leader..

a problem dying to be fixed..

I hope that you will..