become a leader

I’ve never been a very effective leader. Not in school, not at work, not on athletic teams. I’ve gotten complacent as a follower (Not that that is bad—all leaders are supposed to be good followers first). There are times though, where I’m expected to assert authority and I usually goof up. I’ve read enough books to have an idea of what makes a successful leader, but I find myself too timid to actually turn theory into action.