When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful. – Malala Yousafzai

By age 17, most teens are simply mustering up the courage to figure out where to go to college, whether or not to get a job, who to date, or are more concerned about their social media accounts.

But by the age of 17, Malala Yousafzai was the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She was only the second Pakistani to receive it. By no means was she your typical 17-year-old. Her mission?  Fighting and advocating for the rights of Pakistani women and children – especially for education. 

In October 2012, Yousafzai and two other girls were shot in an assassination attempt on a bus after taking an exam in retaliation for her activism. Her physical recovery and therapy eventually took her to Birmingham, England. Afterward, she formed a non-profit and wrote an international best-selling book entitled, I Am Malala. Time magazine featured her as one of the most influential people in the world.

Not everyone’s life mission and purpose will be discovered in tragedy. But in the midst of hers, Malala found her voice and life calling.

Looking back on that singular event that changed her life, she said, “ I don’t want to be thought of as “the girl that was shot by the Taliban” but the “girl who fought for education.” This is the cause to which I want to devote my life.”

The courage to find your voice is essential in leadership. Not because of what it can do for you, but because of the good you can accomplish for others with it. Click To Tweet

President Harry Truman said, “Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” Truman’s words ring just as true and relevant today as when he spoke them. 

The question for our day is whether we have the courage to find our voice. For each person, it will look different. But here are some common characteristics.

Finding your voice will empower you

The day you find your voice and lend it to a cause greater than yourself is the day you begin to make things better. For Malala it was and is for the cause of education for women and children. Your cause and your voice will be equally as important to you. As a leader, you will be empowered when you find your voice and move toward action.

Finding your voice will elevate you

Leaders who will be remembered are not those who sit in silence on the sidelines while things continue to get worse. It will be those who step up, speak up, roll up their sleeves, and work to make things better and say, Join me.” Finding your voice will not only elevate you but will also separate you from those who only talk.

Finding your voice will energize you

Finding your voice is tantamount to finding your passion. Your passion is what gives your voice conviction and credibility. When you find this courage you raise your stature as a leader and you become a force for good.

While not everyone will embrace your voice as was the case of Malala, don’t let it stop you. Be courageous. Find your voice and embrace it. With it, you may not be able to change the world, but you can make your world better with it.

 

©2023 Doug Dickerson