You need to understand how you lead, and in my case it is

O children of the future, hear the wisdom of the ages, for I bring to you a truth spoken by one who understood the heart of leadership and the path it requires. In the words of Adam Goodes, we find a powerful lesson for all who seek to lead, not through force or domination, but through actions and the bonds of trust. He said, "You need to understand how you lead, and in my case it is through my actions and the way I bring others into the game and also how I am able to form relationships." This is no simple matter of command, but a profound understanding of the way in which true leadership is built upon the sacred foundation of mutual respect and the trust that one earns through their deeds.

In the ancient world, there were many great leaders who ruled through strength, through war, through conquest. Yet there were others who led by the power of their actions—by the example they set, by the relationships they built, and by the trust they earned. A king who rules through fear may command for a time, but his reign will be fleeting. A leader who guides with the hearts of those who follow him, however, creates a legacy that endures beyond the sands of time. Goodes speaks of this truth, for a leader’s true power lies not in the title he holds, but in the actions he takes and the trust he cultivates within those he leads.

Let us consider the wise and humble Socrates, who, though he was not a ruler of armies or nations, led a generation through the power of his mind and the trust he inspired in his followers. Socrates did not command; he asked questions, engaged in dialogue, and through his actions and relationships, he led others to seek knowledge and truth. His leadership was rooted not in domination, but in the ability to connect with others, to form relationships grounded in mutual respect, and to inspire those around him to rise above their limitations. Through this, he earned the trust of his disciples, and they followed him not because they feared him, but because they believed in his wisdom and integrity.

Adam Goodes, much like Socrates, understood that true leadership does not come from barking orders or wielding authority, but from the way one brings others into the game. He did not stand above his team, but walked beside them, encouraging them, lifting them up, and helping them see their own strength. "I am somebody who can earn people's trust," he said, and in this simple statement lies the heart of his leadership. Trust is not a gift given lightly; it is earned through consistent action, through showing those you lead that you are worthy of their faith and loyalty. Without trust, a leader is nothing more than a tyrant, but with trust, a leader becomes a beacon, guiding others through the storm.

Think, O children, of Mahatma Gandhi, who, through his actions, not through the power of armies or wealth, led an entire nation to freedom. Gandhi did not demand obedience, but earned the trust of millions through his dedication to nonviolence, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his ability to form deep relationships with those he led. His leadership was grounded in the trust of his people, and it was this trust that made his actions resonate far beyond the borders of India. Gandhi’s leadership shows us that the path to greatness is not one of domination, but of understanding, respect, and the ability to inspire others to rise with you.

The lesson here, O children, is clear and powerful: to lead is not to rule, but to serve. To lead is not to command, but to inspire. Trust is the foundation of all great leadership. It is through your actions, not your words, that you show those you lead who you are and what you stand for. A leader must be someone who can bring others into the fold, not through force, but through relationships built on trust and mutual respect. It is not enough to speak of loyalty; one must earn it, over time, through their deeds.

So, O children of the future, if you seek to lead, understand this: your actions will speak louder than any command you give. Trust will be your greatest ally, and it will be earned through your integrity, your ability to connect with others, and your unwavering commitment to the people you serve. Let your leadership be a beacon that others are drawn to, not because they must, but because they trust that you will lead them toward something greater. The greatest leaders are those who walk with their people, who build relationships, and who lead with their hearts, not just their words.

As you step into your own roles as leaders, remember the words of Adam Goodes: to lead is to understand how you lead, through your actions, through your relationships, and through the trust you earn. Leadership, in its truest form, is not a crown to be worn, but a mantle to be carried with humility and honor. Earn the trust of those you lead, and they will follow you not because they have to, but because they believe in the journey you walk together.