In times of uncertainty, we often look for leadership—not always in boardrooms or headlines, but in quiet hospital rooms, in supportive communities, & around kitchen tables where hard decisions are made.

Lately, I've been thinking deeply about what truly makes a good leader. Not just someone with a title or authority, but someone others naturally trust, follow, & find strength in. Here's what I've come to believe:

A good leader listens—not just to words, but to what's behind them. They see people as whole human beings, not tasks or problems. Empathy means showing up with compassion, even when things are messy, painful, or uncertain. It's the ability to sit with someone in their struggle without needing to fix it all.

Integrity isn't glamorous, but it's powerful. It's doing the right thing, even when no one's watching. Good leaders don't cut corners or make excuses—they act with honesty & consistency. That's what makes people trust them, especially when trust is hard to come by.

In hard moments, people need direction. Good leaders can see past the immediate chaos & help others believe in a better future. They paint a clear picture of where we're going, & why it matters. That vision becomes a lifeline in uncertainty.

4. Responsibility, Not Control

Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about being willing to carry the weight. A good leader takes responsibility when things go wrong, shares credit when they go right, & creates space for others to contribute. They don't need to control; they empower.

5. Resilience and Flexibility

Life doesn't go according to plan. Good leaders bend without breaking. They adapt, they keep going, & they show others how to navigate change with grace. They're not perfect—but they're mindful & present.

6. Humility Makes Growth Possible

Good leaders are learners. They ask questions, admit when they don't know, & invite input from others. Their humility doesn't make them weak—it makes them trustworthy. It reminds us that leadership is a human journey, not a solo performance.

7. Communication is Connection

Whether it's one person or many, a good leader communicates clearly, openly, & often. They don't just talk—they listen. In a world full of noise, they create calm by helping people feel seen & understood.

You don't have to run a company or lead a movement to be a good leader. Sometimes leadership looks like being the steady one in a crisis, showing up every day for someone you love, or having the courage to ask for help and rally others. We are ALL leaders at one time or another!

As I walk with my son Jason through his upcoming stem cell transplant & the long recovery ahead, I'm reminded that the truest form of leadership is LOVE in action. And right now, we all have the chance to lead ~ with kindness, strength, & unwavering hope.