I recently heard someone say that leadership is a lonely place. I disagree.

By being an advocate or first adapter for something, you are likely on your own or trying to get others to rally with you. Others may be coming to join, but they are still looking to you to lead the charge. You are a mover and a shaker and often looking for what is next or how to improve.

You see, I think leadership is the opposite of lonely. Sure, you may have unique thoughts. But if you are a true leader, you have a team or army around you supporting and following. A true leader does not work alone but rallies with his or her team to get the best possible outcome.

Because while leaders are the head (or face), they are not working alone. Great leaders do more than lead themselves, they lead and influence others. Great leaders are not lonely because they are surrounded by people who believe and trust them. Their “followers” build them up and believe in their cause. They are supported from the ground up.

Perhaps I am naive. I know, leadership can be tough. To be a leader you have to be willing to stand up for what you believe in and sometimes that comes at a price. But I believe true leaders act and lead in a way that they have support and encouragement from others.

What do you think? Is true leadership is lonely?