“If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” – Martin Luther
Leadership is more than decision-making or casting vision—it is about influence, and influence is magnified when shared through words that endure. In my years of walking with leaders across various spheres, I’ve found one powerful yet often underused tool: writing. While many leaders are confident in speaking, few pause to write. Yet, writing has the power to clarify thought, preserve legacy, and spark transformation—not just for audiences, but for the leader themselves.
Writing is where ideas find their form. It challenges a leader to strip complexity down to clarity and purpose. The act of writing helps organize thought, shape direction, and deepen conviction. Whether it’s a journal entry scribbled late at night, a newsletter to your team, or a book outlining your leadership philosophy, every word written is a step toward greater insight and influence. History honors this truth. Nelson Mandela’s letters from prison, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and the letters of Paul the Apostle remind us that the pen often outlasts the podium. Their words still lead, long after their voices fell silent.
Getting started doesn’t require a publishing contract or a large audience. It starts with a simple habit—a weekly reflection on what leadership has taught you. Capture a moment, a lesson, or a question. Set aside fifteen to thirty minutes a few times a week to write freely. Don’t worry about structure or polish. Just write. What begins as scattered thoughts may eventually evolve into blog posts, teaching materials, devotionals, or even a manuscript. Writing is like planting seeds—you may not know when or how they will grow, but growth will come.
Personally, much of what I’ve written in books and articles began in the pages of my journal. In moments of challenge, uncertainty, or breakthrough, writing has been my way of processing and preserving the journey. It has shaped how I teach, refined how I lead, and served as a mirror to my own growth. Over time, those pages became resources that now serve others. I write not just to communicate—but to become a more thoughtful, intentional leader.
So what’s holding you back? Perhaps it’s the fear of not being a “good enough” writer. Or maybe the busyness of life convinces you there’s no time. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be perfect to begin. You just need to show up on the page. Writing isn’t about impressing others—it’s about impressing the right lessons into your own life and leadership. And often, the words you struggle to write are the very ones someone else is longing to read.
Key Thought
“Writing isn’t just communication—it’s transformation, for the writer and the reader alike.”
Call to Action
Take a moment to reflect on what leadership insight you’ve gained recently—something that could guide or encourage another person. What story or experience is worth capturing this season? Begin writing, not for perfection, but for presence. And as you do, subscribe for more inspiration each month, or connect with me on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram for encouragement and practical tools to help you share your story.
