I feel stuck in my current role. How can I be a leader if I don't have the title or authority?
We get this. Most people confuse management with leadership. A manager directs tasks, but a leader gets people to see beyond their task and how it impacts the bigger picture. You don't have to be the owner to have leadership. You can start by simply putting your head down and getting the job done, becoming an expert, and influencing those closest to you.

What's the real difference between a "loud" leader and a "quiet" leader?
Loud leaders, or those seeking visibility, often put the "carrot before the horse", they talk a good game, and when they fail, they fail big. A quiet leader isn't necessarily seeking notoriety; they're seeking to get things done. The benefit is that you get more opportunities to fail quietly, make missteps, and correct them without your name being attached to everything. It's about being genuine, not just being visible.

What are the most important traits of a quiet leader?
We believe three traits are crucial. First, consistency over hype, showing up every day, no matter what, so people know they can count on you. Second, humility, making it about the mission and the team, not about "me". And third, emotional stability, your ability to stay relaxed, in control, and reassure the team when chaos hits.

But if I'm a quiet leader, how do I get noticed or compensated for the extra work?
That's a key point. Being a quiet leader doesn't mean you undervalue yourself. If you're taking on more responsibility, you need to bring it to the attention of leadership. You have to be able to describe your value and your worth to the business, especially when you're taking on an additional role and should be compensated for it.

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/x5WakTs4r1I,
read more in THE ASCENT | 033

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