Redefining Leadership

Leadership isn’t about titles or power plays—it’s about the small, everyday moments that most people miss.

Ready to rethink what true leadership looks like?

It’s simpler than you think...

Takeaway:

I remember one moment early in my career that forever changed how I viewed leadership. I was working under a manager who had all the right titles and credentials, but he led with distance.

One day, as I struggled to meet a deadline, I approached him to ask for guidance. He barely looked up from his desk.

I felt invisible.

Later that week, I had a brief interaction with someone else on the team, a colleague with no formal leadership role.

She noticed I was stressed and simply asked,

“Need a hand?” 

That small gesture flipped my day around. She didn’t have authority, but in that moment, she showed leadership—through kindness, empathy, and connection.

That was my lightbulb moment.

Leadership isn’t about titles or positions.

It’s about those everyday moments that make people feel seen, valued, and supported.

In this issue, we’ll dive into how true leadership is built—not through power, but through small, impactful actions that you can start taking today.

Today’s Ladder:

Redefining Leadership: It’s Not About the Title

How comfortable are you calling yourself a leader?

Most people hesitate.

Why?

Because we’ve made leadership out to be this huge, unattainable thing. We think it’s about big titles, world-changing accomplishments, or something we’re not quite ready to claim.

But here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about grand gestures.

It’s about the small moments that impact others, often in ways we don’t even realize.

Years ago, I managed a team, and one day a team member told me something I’d forgotten.

During a high-stakes project, he had made a mistake that could have set us back. He expected me to be frustrated, but instead, I gave him a chance to fix it.

I told him…

That moment, for him, changed everything.

He said it gave him the confidence to stop doubting himself, learn from the experience, and deliver outstanding results.

And here’s the kicker: I didn’t even remember saying it.

But that’s leadership—empowering others in small ways that create a lasting impact.

Here’s today’s ladder:

1. Leadership happens in small moments.

You don’t need a title to lead.

The trust you extend and the support you offer can change someone’s trajectory.

2. Empower others intentionally.

Look for ways to uplift and encourage.

These everyday actions are what leadership is all about.

3. Acknowledge the impact others have on you.

If someone has helped you grow, tell them.

We often don’t realize how much our actions matter to others.

Leadership is about making everyday moments count—one conversation at a time.

Career Bytes:

Curious career facts to feed your curiosity!

Did you know which company first allowed remote work? IBM was one of the first large companies to implement a formal remote work policy in the 1980s, well before the internet era or the COVID pandemic!

I appreciate your feedback! It will help shape the future issues of CAREER LADDER!

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Let’s Connect!

If we aren’t already connected, come say hi on LinkedIn.

If you have a career topic in mind that you want me to write about, you can message me at [email protected]