By Kelly McKenzie
Let’s talk about leadership. Not the flashy, buzzword-filled “thought leadership” you see all over LinkedIn, but real leadership, the kind that makes people want to follow you, not just because they have to, but because they want to. Leadership isn’t just about holding a title or sitting in a corner office. It’s about showing up, every day, for your team and your organisation, and having the courage to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose.
If you’re thinking, “Well, I’m not the CEO, does this even apply to me?” Guess what? Leadership isn’t about your place on the org chart. It’s about how you influence, inspire, and motivate the people around you, no matter where you sit in the organisation.
Leadership Is About People, Not Power
Here’s the truth bomb: leadership is about people, not power. Too many people mistake leadership for authority, like they need to be the loudest voice in the room or have all the answers. But great leaders don’t dictate; they empower. They lift their teams up, making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
The best leaders know that their success is tied to the success of their people. So, they don’t micromanage. They delegate, they trust, and they give their teams the space to grow. If you’re too focused on controlling every outcome, you’re missing out on the most important part of leadership: developing the people around you.
The Power of Vulnerability
Now, I know the word vulnerability might make some people cringe when we’re talking about leadership, but stick with me here. One of the most powerful things a leader can do is be real. Not perfect, but real. Showing vulnerability, whether that’s admitting when you don’t have all the answers or being honest about the challenges ahead, builds trust. And trust? It’s the foundation of any strong team.
Think about it: no one expects their leader to be flawless, but they do expect authenticity. When leaders open up and show that they’re human, it gives permission for the rest of the team to do the same. And that’s when real collaboration happens. Vulnerability creates space for honest conversations, creativity, and problem-solving.
Leading Through Change
Anyone can lead when things are going smoothly. The true test of leadership is how you show up when everything goes sideways. Change is inevitable, but how you handle it as a leader makes all the difference. Are you guiding your team through the chaos with a steady hand, or are you adding to the uncertainty?
Leadership in times of change means staying calm, communicating clearly, and keeping your team focused on what matters. It’s about being adaptable, but also providing stability. Great leaders are the ones who can see the big picture and reassure their team that, even if the road ahead is bumpy, they’ll get through it together.
Listening Is Leading
This one’s simple but crucial: leaders listen. If you’re doing all the talking, you’re not leading, you’re commanding. And trust me, no one responds well to that. The best leaders ask questions, seek feedback, and actually listen to what their people have to say. Listening creates a culture where everyone feels like they can contribute and be part of the solution.
The more you listen, the more you learn, and the better decisions you’ll make. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about pulling together the collective intelligence of your team and using it to make informed, thoughtful decisions.
Leading by Example
You’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but it’s worth repeating: great leaders lead by example. If you want your team to show up with energy and enthusiasm, you need to show up that way too. If you want them to be accountable and committed, guess what? That starts with you. Leadership is about setting the tone, creating the culture, and being the role model for the behaviour you want to see.
Whether it’s staying calm under pressure, owning up to mistakes, or putting in the extra effort when it’s crunch time, your team is watching how you handle yourself. And if you’re leading with integrity, authenticity, and a focus on the bigger picture, they’ll follow.
Final Thoughts: Leadership Is a Practice
Leadership isn’t something you master overnight. It’s a practice, a constant journey of learning, growing, and refining your approach. And the best leaders? They never stop evolving. They keep listening, keep improving, and keep finding new ways to inspire and motivate their teams.
So, whether you’re managing a team of one or a company of thousands, remember: leadership is about how you show up, not the title on your business card. Be real, be present, and most importantly, lead in a way that lifts others up. When your people succeed, so do you.
At Runie Consulting, we believe in empowering leaders to make a real impact, one that goes beyond business outcomes and focuses on developing strong, capable teams. Need help with your leadership journey? Let’s chat.