It's not Leadership if they are Paid to Follow

I've always found that one of the best places to develop leadership skills (particularly early in your career) is in the practice of volunteerism and community service.  If you want to learn if you can lead, raise your hand to lead a group of volunteers to accomplish an important task.  I was fortunate to find these kinds of opportunities early in my life and here's a few of the things I learned. You aren't a leader if people are paid or otherwise required to follow you.