You don't submit an application. You don't have to create a fancy cover letter.

Flaunting your title or bragging about your position on an org chart isn't leadership - it's the opposite. It's hoping that external validation will do the hard work for you.

The hard work is influencing others. Caring about how where they're going and investing your energy to help them get there.

Help more people, solve bigger problems, and you become a better leader. There are no shortcuts.

It's tempting to think of leadership as something you can add to your title. A certification that tells the world how fantastic you are.

But you can't choose to anoint yourself as a leader.

Others have to choose to follow.