We need more leaders; Government, businesses, consulting firms, fortune 500 companies, associations, you name it. The problem is there is a dearth of leaders, but few are truly able to take a leadership role.

Now, don’t get offended if you think I’m referring to you. Actually, if you are offended then I might be talking to you. Leaders are rarely offended –they use such feedback to adapt – so, you may be part of the problem.

Leaders want to know what they are and aren’t doing correctly. They want to grow which requires criticism and differing views. Advice for areas you don’t recognize. This is the point of having diverse opinions and inputs.

It’s not like you graduate college and as soon as you accept your diploma you’ve got it – everything you’ll ever need to succeed. In reality, life and business involve experience and contextualizing what you have learned allows you to leverage that knowledge into a greater goal or objective.

But I’m hopeful the next generation eager to lead will evolve to be true leaders.

Leaders need to stand for something. Be accountable and take ownership. Take risks and not be afraid to be wrong. Make tough decisions.

But many in leadership positions today don’t. They don’t walk the talk, they just talk. Instead of leading and accomplishing a mission, they are trying to advance an agenda.

Many others are lethargic leaders. They don’t create the type of environment that makes others want to work with them, learn and grow. These lethargic leaders hold their positions because someone put them there; they did not seek it out.

True leaders stand up for those who work with and for them. This creates an exciting place to work as employees recognize this support and are often propelled forward to new personal accomplishments and career highs.

I challenge you to commit to leadership. Commit to growing, evolving and taking risks. We need more leaders. Let one of them be you.