I'm 48 years old. I have no leadership skills. I have never lead a team. The whole process sounds very frightening to me. I am sure it has to do with my birth order and upbringing. So is there hope? Can I never be a leader at this age?

In my opinion you are either a follower or a leader, I follow as its to much hassle to lead, but I'm sure with a little assertivness training it may be possible to lead.

My pride tells me I'm not a follower. But I seriously don't know if I am. I have been told I am an individual. I am an artist... literally. I am a graphic designer.. I do it for a job. So while I'm not a leader I certainly am not a follower. I don't know, maybe I'm a voice in the wilderness?

If being a leader is important to you then you can read books on it, you could volunteer to take the lead on something small at work or personal activities and gain skills. Maybe you are a leader when it comes to some things.But does it really matter if you are a leader? Is it ok that you are YOU?

I'm still a few years behind you in life experience, but have served in many roles as a leader within my Fire Dept. and First Aid Squad. They are volunteer so things change every few years.

While I like being a leader and someone that people go to for ideas and direction, the hardest part for me sometimes is being authoritative. It's easy to lead in a crisis and those less experienced are looking at you, but at times it is also hard when something like not checking out the rig before drill. I hate confrontation and sometimes would rather do it myself.

I have aspects of leadership to work on and continue to try and read and take courses, but there are just some skills that have to be in you.

I believe in myself as a leader, but know I need to be better at working with people when things are done wrong, anyone can compliment when things go right.

It sometimes cause me anxiety, especially when I have to knowingly pull someone aside for a complaint that I got.

Those are just lose lose....