This is the 914th most frequent Icelandic word.
leiða
"Leiða" means "to lead" or "to guide" in English.
The verb 'leiða' is used here in the sense of 'to lead or guide someone through a place.'
Hann leiddi mig í gegnum skóginn.
He led me through the forest.
The verb 'leiða' in this sentence conveys a figurative guidance causing an outcome or result.
Við skulum ekki láta þetta leiða okkur til vonleysis.
We shall not let this lead us to despair.
In this context, 'leiða' expresses taking the initiative or managing an activity, such as discussions.