As the famous spiderman line says, “with great power comes great responsibility”. When people are put into positions of power, they are also put into positions of leadership. However, having significant power or authority over something does not necessarily make someone a good leader. Being a good leader means using the influence and power you have for the greater good of a group of people or project and to achieve the common goal in the best and most effective means possible. This means putting the needs of others before yourself and using your power to make a difference and do good. This is true even when doing good is the hardest thing to do. Being a leader puts one in a position where others look up to them and turn to them in hard times. If a leader or someone in power does not do the right thing in tough times, then how could we expect anyone else to ever to the right thing in similar situations. We must be careful with who we give power, as no matter the situation people will turn to those with power to be lead by example. Every leader has power, but not every one with power is a true leader. By carefully considering who we place in leadership positions, and by holding true to our values and maintaining a code of ethics as leaders ourselves we can assure that those in power do not abuse it. This is important because leadership is about more than having power, its about earning trust, inspiring others, and leading by example. It is this type of leader that I strive to be and hope to be identified as.

“It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows