I was browsing the aisles when I heard a clatter. I looked up to see some kitchen gadgets on the floor. A young lady had knocked them off the shelf. She looked at the mess she’d made, picked one thing out of several and walked away.

We have opportunities to lead everyday and everywhere. We relate with people in and outside our homes yet we sometimes miss leadership moments. The young lady created a mess instead of cleaning up. A leader cleans up. A leader appreciates order and would not deliberately create chaos. Beyond cleaning up after yourself, other ways to lead everyday are:

• Pay attention. There are many opportunities to stand up for what is right but if you’re oblivious of your surroundings or screen-sucking, you will miss vital incidents.
• Add value. As a member of society, plan to add value to it, daily. Make a positive contribution.
• Step up to lead. Don’t point fingers at others to clean up messes or resolve crisis in the community. The young lady probably thought, ‘someone else is paid to clean up.’ This is not a leader’s stand.
• Offer grace. Kindness is becoming scarce in our world. Folks living on frazzled nerves lash out for minor offenses. Unfortunately, if we all express such negative attitudes, we would increase hostility. Instead, extend grace and kindness. Lead everyday.