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What happens when leadership becomes a practice, not a position?
by Drew Robbins
3 min read
Take The Lead
In today's AI-powered workplace, teams are flattening and more professionals are discovering that the most powerful influence often comes without "manager" in your job description.
In today's AI-powered workplace, teams are flattening, titles are shifting, and more professionals are discovering that the most powerful influence often comes without "manager" in your job description. A leaderful individual contributor asks the question no one else will, draws out quieter voices, and helps the group see what matters. This creates momentum and trust even in uncertainty. Others begin to look to this person, not for authority, but for their ability to move things forward and keep the team grounded.
For those navigating the move from manager to individual contributor, or anyone working without formal authority, this shift can feel disorienting. But it is also a chance to redefine leadership as small, daily actions. Listening deeply, sharing credit, naming gaps, and inviting others to contribute all become ways to lead. The habits that once made managers effective, such as presence, relationship-building, and principled action, do not lose their value outside of hierarchy. In fact, they become the foundation for the kind of culture where everyone leads.
Leadership isn't about titles or permission. It's about noticing when something important needs done, starting the work, and inviting others to do it together, even when the path is unclear.
— When No One's Keeping Score
Where could you help your team move forward, even if it is not in your job description?
Try This
Notice an unclaimed gap or missing perspective in your next meeting. Offer to help or invite others in.
Notice What Happens
Watch for shifts in energy or participation when you act, even without formal authority.
Share or Reflect
When have you seen someone lead from the middle of the team? What made it work?
Keep Going
Each act of initiative, however small, lays the groundwork for shared success.
If this resonates, consider sharing with your network to help others lead from where they are.
