Image courtesy of Travis S. via flickr
I have never wanted to be a leader. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts to the contrary, I find myself in that position quite often. I distinctly recall the first time anyone ever accused me of actually holding sway over a group of people. I was very young at the time, probably around 12, and in they very stereotypical fashion of that particular age bracket my group of friends had decided that it was time to ostracize one of our own. I honestly could not tell you what it was that he did at the time. Frankly, I am not sure he actually did anything. I think it was just one of those situations where we were experimenting with social structure and power and he was the guinea pig of the moment.
At some point our friend must have told his parents about what was going on and how badly it was hurting him, because a few days into this whole experience I found myself sitting at my kitchen table with his Mother.