Leadership Starts Before Anyone Is Watching

“before we can lead others, we must first lead ourselves”

Parashat Re'eh opens with a powerful declaration: "See, I place before you today a blessing and a curse." At first glance, it appears that Moshe is speaking about obedience and consequences. But as I reflected on these words, I realized that he is also teaching one of the greatest lessons about leadership.

Leadership is not determined by a title, a position, or the number of people who follow us. Leadership begins with the choices we make every day. Before we can lead others, we must first lead ourselves. Every decision either brings us closer to HaShem's blessings or moves us further away from His purpose.

This idea reminds me of the principles in Resolved: 13 Resolutions for Life by Orrin Woodward. Throughout the book, Woodward explains that effective leaders develop character before they develop influence. They understand that leadership is not about controlling people; it is about becoming the kind of person others naturally trust and want to follow.

That is exactly what Moshe was preparing Bnei Yisrael to become. As they stood on the threshold of entering Eretz Yisrael, he did not promise that success would come automatically. Instead, he reminded them that every blessing would be connected to their willingness to choose HaShem's ways. In many ways, Moshe was developing leaders rather than simply giving commands. He wanted a nation that would take ownership of its spiritual life.

One of the resolutions that stands out is the commitment to personal growth. Great leaders never stop growing. They continue learning, refining their character, and strengthening their relationship with HaShem. Re'eh teaches the same lesson. The commandments throughout the parashah are designed to shape people into individuals who live with discipline, compassion, generosity, and faithfulness. Those qualities are the foundation of genuine leadership.

Another lesson I find in Re'eh is that leadership requires courage. The Torah repeatedly warns against following voices that lead us away from HaShem. Every generation faces competing influences, and true leaders must have the courage to stand for truth even when it is unpopular. Leadership is not following the crowd, it is helping others walk in the right direction.

Finally, Re'eh reminds me that leadership is measured by service. The parashah repeatedly commands us to care for the poor, support those in need, and give generously. A leader who seeks only recognition will eventually lose the trust of others, but a leader who serves reflects HaShem's heart. Service is what transforms influence into lasting impact.

Every one of us is called to lead, in our families, workplaces, communities, or friendships. Parashat Re'eh reminds us that leadership begins by choosing blessings, living with integrity, caring for others, pursuing unity, and remaining faithful to HaShem. When we lead this way, we don't simply direct people, we inspire them to walk in HaShem's ways.

The message of Parashat Re'eh is that leadership begins long before anyone notices us. It begins with the daily decision to choose blessing instead of curse, obedience instead of compromise, and service instead of self-interest. When we consistently make those choices, we become the kind of leader who inspire others not by our words alone, but by the example of our lives.