One Thing Good Leaders Do
It’s one thing to lead from the front, but true leadership happens when you make space for others to contribute and grow. I’ve learned that in my own experiences, especially during meetings or community discussions, where it’s so easy for certain voices to dominate. The loudest ones often get the most attention, but a good leader doesn’t just listen to the loudest — they make room for the quiet ones, too.
I remember a time during a board meeting when the conversation was moving quickly, and one of the newer members, clearly nervous, hadn’t spoken a word. I could tell she had something on her mind — she kept looking down at her notes but didn’t say a thing. So, I gently asked, “What do you think about this? We’d love to hear your perspective.”
Her eyes widened in surprise, but after a moment, she shared her thoughts — insightful, fresh ideas that none of us had considered. It reminded me that it’s not about having all the answers yourself but creating an environment where others feel comfortable contributing theirs.
Good leaders don’t just pull others up; they push the conversation out so everyone feels like they belong. They ask for input, give people credit, and make it clear that every voice matters, not just the ones with the most experience or the most confidence.
This is something I’ve tried to embody, and it’s not always easy. There’s a balance between steering the ship and letting others take the wheel when needed. But when I see someone step up because they feel included, it makes all the effort worthwhile.
Good leaders make people feel seen and heard
