You’ve probably come across John Maxwell’s name in the leadership space—he’s that bestselling author who reminds us that “leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.”
When I first started exploring his work, I was amazed by how well his principles lined up with what I’d already noticed in my own life and in the people around me who kept stepping into leadership roles effortlessly.
It’s not necessarily about a fancy job title or an impressive resume.
Instead, it’s more about the qualities you naturally bring to the table—qualities that inspire others, build trust, and push a group toward a shared goal.
So how do you know if you’re the one meant to step up, not just follow along?
Drawing on some of Maxwell’s key teachings, plus my own personal experience, I’ve pulled together five clear signs.
If these resonate with you, it might be time to embrace the fact that you’re wired to lead.
1. You take ownership
I once worked at a company where everyone seemed to have a reason for why things weren’t going well.
The budgets were too tight, the market was too competitive, or management didn’t provide enough resources.
You can guess how productive that environment felt.
But there was one person on my team—let’s call him Mark—who refused to hide behind excuses.
Instead, he’d say, “This might not be my fault, but it’s my responsibility.”
That stood out to me. No matter what curveball came our way, Mark showed up with a solution-oriented mindset.
John Maxwell often emphasizes that learning and leadership begin with personal responsibility.
When you realize you can’t wait around for someone else to fix the issues, you’ve already tapped into a core leadership trait.
A leader will see a problem and jump into the trenches to figure it out. That doesn’t mean they have all the answers, but they actively look for them rather than waiting.
If you’re the person who volunteers for the “impossible” project because you believe in finding a way forward, odds are you have that leadership spark.
Ownership also shows up in how you handle mistakes.
We all mess up. The difference is, leaders own their errors, learn from them, and move forward with more knowledge than they had before.
2. You find ways to empower others
You know how some people hoard information or connections because they think it gives them an edge?
They act like gatekeepers, doling out knowledge only when it benefits them.
If that approach rubs you the wrong way, it’s probably because you understand a critical leadership insight: real success involves lifting others up.
I’ve seen this principle in action when managing small teams for my own projects.
The times I felt most like a leader weren’t necessarily when I was coming up with brilliant strategies on my own.
It was when I focused on making sure each person on the team had the tools and confidence they needed to thrive.
Maxwell has a quote I really like: “A leader is great not because of his or her power, but because of his or her ability to empower others.”
It’s spot-on, isn’t it?
If you’re the kind of person who lights up when you see someone else succeed—especially if you played a role in equipping them—then you’re probably more of a leader than a follower at heart.
3. You remain curious, even when you’re already good at something
One of the hallmarks of real leadership is a refusal to get complacent.
It’s tempting to think that once you’ve reached a certain level of expertise or success, you can rest on your laurels.
But true leaders are almost always hungry for growth.
Maybe you’ve noticed that you get bored if you’re not learning something new or testing out fresh strategies.
That thirst for knowledge often sets leaders apart from people who are comfortable coasting in a support role.
And according to Forbes, this curiosity is an in-demand leadership skill.
When you think about it, that’s not really surprising. After all, curiosity drives innovation and improvement.
4. You naturally attract people who seek your input
Ever notice how certain people in your circle always come to you for advice, even on issues that aren’t directly in your wheelhouse?
Or maybe colleagues frequently say, “Hey, can I get your thoughts on this?”
That’s not an accident. It usually means they sense you have valuable insights and the willingness to share them.
As Maxwell indicates, leadership is heavily tied to influence.
If folks consistently seek your point of view, that’s a solid indicator you have influence—whether you realize it or not.
In many ways, leadership is about how you make people feel safe and respected when they bring their questions or concerns to you.
5. You’re energized by a compelling vision
Not everyone wants to wrestle with “big picture” thinking. For some, that’s too abstract or anxiety-inducing.
But if you’re the kind of person who can’t help daydreaming about where your team, your company, or even your community could be in five years—and you light up at the idea of making that vision a reality—that’s a strong clue you’re meant to lead.
I remember staying up late, mapping out the future of a company I wanted to build.
I’d imagine the team culture, the impact we’d make, and how that could ripple outward to help more people.
It was a daydream, sure, but it also felt deeply energizing. And that vision wasn’t something I kept to myself. I shared it with the people I was working with, encouraging them to see how their work tied into something bigger than a paycheck.
According to Maxwell, a compelling vision is often the cornerstone of leadership.
It galvanizes people because they want to be part of something that transcends the day-to-day grind.
If you’re the one who sees potential around the corner and can communicate it in a way that excites others, you’re already stepping into a leadership role—even if you don’t hold a managerial title.
Wrapping up
None of these signs mean you’re obligated to jump in front of a crowd tomorrow and start barking orders. Leadership can manifest in quiet, humble ways, too.
Ultimately, it’s about how you approach challenges, how you connect with others, and how you handle the responsibility of guiding a team—or even just one person—toward a better outcome.
And the most important thing to remember? Leadership is an evolving skill, not a fixed trait.
It’s something you can refine, improve, and adapt to different scenarios over time.
It’s possible you’re seeing these signs in yourself for the first time, or maybe you’ve sensed them all along.
Either way, I encourage you to step into that potential. Experiment, take calculated risks, and see what happens when you fully embrace a leadership mindset.
Until next time, friends.
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