I used to think leadership came with a title. Until I saw something different firsthand.
When I started working at a credit union, I expected leadership to come from the top—the C-suite, the VPs, the ones with the authority. But what stood out to me were the hidden leaders.
These weren’t the executives with big titles. They were employees who had been there for decades. The go-to people. The ones everyone trusted for insight, guidance, and problem-solving. They had influence, but not because of their job description, they had it because of who they were.
And now, coaching high-performers through career transitions, I see the same pattern emerge: the people making the biggest impact aren’t always the ones at the top.
The myth of titles & leadership
Waiting for a title in order to become a leader is like keeping a light under a bushel. It’s a waste of talent and potential.
Yet, we’re taught to believe that leadership requires permission, that we can only step into our full abilities after someone else grants us authority.
As psychologist Gay Hendricks describes in The Big Leap, when we align our strengths, values, and talents with our daily work, we enter our Zone of Genius—the space where we’re most fulfilled, impactful, and energized. And from that space, we naturally influence and lead—regardless of our job title.
I saw this in those credit union employees. The ones who weren’t waiting for promotions or a bigger paycheck to find meaning. They led by example. They owned their work. They supported others.
How to lead beyond the title
- Leverage your strengths with intention: Instead of waiting for a title to validate your expertise, start showcasing your skills now. Look for ways to contribute your talents, share knowledge, and make things better—even in small ways.
- Become a connector & thought partner: Influence isn’t about authority; it’s about helping others think bigger, solve problems, and grow. Who can you support today? Who needs your insight?
- Create your own growth opportunities: Career growth doesn’t always mean climbing, it can mean expanding. Instead of waiting for a promotion, seek out cross-functional projects, mentorship opportunities, or industry engagement that lets you use your strengths in new ways.
- Lead with impact, not authority: Some of the most respected leaders don’t have the biggest titles, they have the biggest contributions. The more value you create, the more influence you gain.
The research: Leadership & career fulfillment
A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Resources and Public Health found that long-term career satisfaction isn’t tied to job titles, it’s tied to alignment. When our work reflects our core values and allows us to contribute meaningfully, we feel more engaged, resilient, and motivated.
As John C. Maxwell said: "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another."
