Discovering Your Passion for Leadership Growth

Growing up, when people asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, many of us had answers ready: A doctor. A teacher. An astronaut. A footballer.

But how many of us ever said, “I want to be a leader”?

Because leadership isn’t something we’re often taught to dream about. It’s not written on a career aspiration chart. And yet, somehow, leadership finds us.

Not all at once. But in moments.

The Power of Leadership Coaching

As a leadership coach, I meet leaders who didn’t set out to “be a leader” in the traditional sense. But somewhere along their journey, something shifted, and they became one.

And that’s why I ask my clients a powerful question: “What do you love about leading?”

It often catches them off guard. Not because they don’t know, but because they haven’t paused in a long time to truly reflect. In the rush of targets, meetings, and constant decision-making, the why behind their leadership can get buried under the what and how.

But when they do… their answers are moving:

“I love seeing people grow.” “I love making a difference.” “I love creating something meaningful.” “I love when the team feels like family.”

And when I hear their answers, it always brings me back to my own.

My Journey: What I Love About Leadership Development

As a coach, my leadership doesn’t come from a job title, it comes from how I show up. How I listen. How I hold space. How I challenge gently but firmly. And how I walk alongside others as they uncover their own answers.

Here’s what I’ve come to love most about this kind of leadership:

Witnessing Growth in Leaders

There’s nothing quite like watching someone step into their power. Seeing the light come back into their eyes when they realize they can lead authentically. That moment of inner clarity, it’s gold!

Building Trust in Leadership Training Programs

I love creating spaces where leaders can take off the mask, say “I don’t know,” and still feel safe. These are the moments where real leadership begins: not in power, but in presence.

Constant Learning in Leadership Skills Development

Leadership is humbling. Every conversation teaches me something, about people, emotions, systems, and above all, about myself. I don’t have all the answers, and that’s the beauty of it.

The Ripple Effect of Effective Leadership

When one person leads with clarity and compassion, the impact extends far beyond their immediate circle. It changes cultures. It shapes families. It makes work feel more human. That’s why I do what I do.

This journaling worksheet is designed to help you reconnect with the heart of your leadership. Use the prompts below to reflect deeply and authentically. There are no right or wrong answers, just your truth.

Find a quiet space. Take a breath. Then write, beginning with: “What I love most about leading is…”

Let your answer come from your heart, not your job description. Take your time and let the response emerge without judgment.

Bonus Reflection Questions for Aspiring Leaders:

1. When was the last time I felt truly alive in a leadership moment?
2. What part of leadership drains me? What part energizes me?
3. How would I lead differently if I focused more on what I love?

About the Author: Dr. Tazmin Alibhai, Leadership Expert

Dr. Tazmin Alibhai, PsyD, PCC is a leadership coach, facilitator, and organizational consultant with over 30 years of experience helping leaders create psychologically safe, high-performance cultures. She works with senior teams to turn insight into impact, and strategy into sustainable action.