To lead people, Walk behind them Leadership comes in many forms, but most are oblivious to the fact that leadership is not all about the recognition, the glory and fame. Martin Luther King Jr., Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolf Hitler, George Washington, Charlemagne, Winston Churchill. All of these men were among the greatest leaders the world has ever known, but that’s the problem, the entire world knows them as leaders because that is what they’ve asserted themselves as. I’d like to tell of an experience I had with a leader, my freshman year of high school.

Entering High school wasn’t too much of a problem, because football acquainted me with many different people. One of them was sophomore Mark, A young man of very few words. During weight training I realized he was far stronger than the rest, and on the field? Superior speed, spontaneity, and skill. I expected him to be yelling and getting on anyone who made the slightest error, but he stayed calm. It was only at select times did he correct players, and it was always done not only out of concern for the player, but the team as a unit. He understood that a fence is only as strong as its weakest link, so he ensured that every link be as strong as the next. “But how my student will succeed even I in time.” This line of Hulse’s poem explains how a leader works with the benefit of their student in mind, as well as theirs. Mark continues to take action and works that same way this year.

The famous “I have a Dream” speech was one which changed the future, but Mark understood something that many don’t. Actions speak louder than words, so action is what he took. On the field he took a defensive position and acted as a barrier, preventing anyone from passing him. I took notice of the way he played and handled himself under pressure, and developed a great respect for him. “Yes, Absolutely, I understand.” All of these were of the responses I gave Mark when he advised me or corrected me on something, and always followed his commands because I knew it was in my/ the team’s best interest.

By the end of summer practice all of Cleveland’s football players knew Mark as the best player, but he took no label as a “leader” and saw himself just as valuable as any other player. It was only until the first game that I realized real leaders stand behind or in our