Whenever I ask my coaching clients about the leaders or managers they have interacted with during their lives, they are always very quick to response with examples from their work and from their sporting, recreational or community services experiences. And they always remember two types.
Seems we can always tell when we’ve worked with a good leader.
They’re the ones you still quote years later – you know, those leaders who made you want to lift your game, not just tick the boxes.
And then there are the others. And they leave a big impression as well because these are the ones who left a mess instead of a mark.
You see….every leader [whatever their role in their interaction with others] leaves something behind. The big question here is, What?
You don’t need a title or a corner office to have impact, influence and to lead. You can lead from any chair and you do this by showing up with the kind of consistency that people can feel. Leadership is not a performance – it is a pattern.
It’s in the tone you use when you’re frustrated.
It’s in whether you take the credit or share it.
It’s in how you treat people when there’s nothing in it for you.
It’s in a whole lot of little things which add up. People remember that stuff. Always.
If you want to leave a mark worth talking about and lead from any chair:
✨ Follow through. If you say you’ll do it, do it. It’s not glamorous, but it’s gold.
✨ Stay present. Phones down. Eyes up. Attention is currency so spend it wisely.
✨ Lead by example. Your values mean nothing if they don’t show up in your behaviour.
✨ Have the tough conversations. You can’t grow trust by dodging truth.
The best leaders don’t need to tell people they’re leaders. Their behaviour does the talking.
So, this week, pay attention to what your actions are saying because these small daily actions are already writing your legacy.
✨ Ready to sharpen your leadership presence and make your impact count – at work and at home? Let’s connect.