Charging Stations and Spaghetti Dinners: Unlocking Leadership Potential in Daily Life
If you have been part of any of Zing Collaborative's leadership experiences for managers, leaders, executives, or up-and-coming-leaders over the years, we've likely explored the following ideas together:
Leadership happens in the moments.
Leadership begins with being present, paying attention, and noticing.
Leadership begins with self-awareness: we have to be able to lead ourselves, if we are going to attempt to lead others.
What’s powerful about these ideas is that they’re not confined to the workplace.
They extend to our families, our neighborhoods, and our communities.
They can apply when things are going well, and also when things are not going so well.
Leadership is a choice we make, moment by moment.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed countless examples of this kind of leadership in action, especially in our communities. Below are a few real-life moments of leadership in action, offering insight into how leadership can emerge organically, without titles or formal roles:
Supporting neighbors during a power outage:
Individuals who had electricity set up charging stations for those without power, offering a space for anyone to charge their phones and devices without needing to knock or ask. Their message was simple: “Any neighbor out of power is welcome to come charge their phones or grab some water. No need to knock.”
Hosting a spontaneous community dinner:
One neighbor invited anyone from the area over for a homemade spaghetti dinner. The invitation wasn’t formal or planned. It was an open call to the community: “6 pm – come get some yummy spaghetti dinner. Our address is XXX.”Stepping up as the neighborhood “grill master”:
Another neighbor offered to cook for anyone whose food was at risk of spoiling due to the power outage. “Grilling up some chicken and burgers. Bring anything you’d like; we’ll cook it up! Grilling now!”Sharing resources freely:
Someone with extra plywood shared it with others in need: “I have some leftover plywood pieces from when I boarded up. If anyone could use them, feel free to stop by.”
None of these people were neighborhood “captains” or designated leaders. They are neighbors who felt called to step up and lead in the moment. This demonstrates a key takeaway: Leadership is available to all of us—at any time, in any situation.
Whether you’re leading at work, in your home, or in your community, these small moments of leadership have a ripple effect, creating stronger bonds and a more connected, resilient community.
So, the next time you notice an opportunity to step up, remember: you don’t need a title to lead—just the willingness to act.
Leadership doesn’t always require a title—it’s about recognizing opportunities in everyday moments to step up and make a difference. By being present and taking small actions, you can create a ripple effect that strengthens your community, both at work and at home. If you're looking for guidance on how to enhance your leadership presence and lead with intention, we are here to support you. Together, we can help you tap into your leadership potential and create meaningful impact, one moment at a time.
Let’s connect and explore how we can assist you on your leadership journey.
This post was originally shared via Friday Favorites —a free weekly curation of resources, reflections, and inquiries on leadership and life. Join us here, and join the weekly conversation, if you’d like.
New Beginnings in Leadership: Just as the sunrise marks the start of a new day, leadership is about stepping up in the everyday moments. Whether in our communities or workplaces, true leadership begins with presence, awareness, and the willingness to make a difference when it matters most.
