Early in my career, I yearned to step into more leadership roles. I wanted to create the strategy, make the final decision, speak at the front of the room.
And as time went on, I did get more of those opportunities. But still, a nagging feeling lingered. I was always looking for that next step up the organizational ladder that would finally let me be the leader I knew I could be.
The more people I coach, the more I realize this feeling is pervasive. Many of us are waiting for that opportunity to be the leader we know we can be.
Many of my clients come to me wanting to step into higher authority roles. And we work on that.
But first, I invite them into a new orientation — a new definition of what leadership actually means.
Most of us equate leadership with authority and decision-making. Whoever holds the power and makes the decisions is the leader. To lead, we need status.
But to me, the essence of leadership isn’t about telling people what to do or sitting at the top of the org chart. It’s about owning and harnessing whoever you really are in service to your team and its mission. That’s self-leadership.
This could look many different ways: voicing an unpopular opinion, tapping more deeply into your passions and gifts, experimenting with a new approach, expressing a part of yourself that usually only comes out among friends and family, or courageously sharing something you’re struggling with.
At its core, self-leadership is about leading yourself to the fullest expression of your unique gifts and perspectives — regardless of your title or authority.
There’s a special kind of magic to this.
As I lead myself, I inherently lead others. I inspire and offer permission for others to reveal themselves. In doing so, I help create a culture of leadership — and end up creating exactly the impact and influence I always yearned for.
Don’t wait for the promotion. You can be a leader right now.
