You Don’t Need a Title to Lead

The power of simply showing up

What does a leader look like to you?

When you hear the word leader, who comes to mind?

Maybe someone in a suit. A headteacher. Someone with a clipboard and a carefully practised plan.

But most real leadership doesn’t look like that.

It looks like turning up.
It looks like being present.
It looks like choosing to care when no one else does.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve worked with young people, parents, schools, churches, and teams. And one thing shows up again and again: leadership isn’t about a title.

Some of the most impactful people I’ve met didn’t have a role or badge. They just showed up, consistently, with open hands and a kind heart. That alone changed everything around them.

“I’m not really a leader though…”

I’ve heard this many times. Young people say it. Volunteers say it. Parents say it too.

There’s this idea that leadership is only for certain people. The confident ones. The ones with big personalities or qualifications. The ones who seem to have it all sorted.

But leadership is really just about influence.
And the truth is, you already have influence.

In your family.
In your friendship group.
In your school or workplace.
In your team or community.

You lead when you:

• Set the tone in your home
• Check in on someone others have missed
• Choose not to join in with gossip
• Make space for someone to speak honestly
• Turn up when you’re tired and it would be easier not to

You don’t need to be the loudest. Just someone others know they can rely on.

What I’ve seen leadership look like

Here’s what I’ve learned through mentoring sessions, team meetings, football matches, assemblies, and countless conversations.

Being there counts more than being impressive.
People don’t need perfect. They need present. The ones who make a difference are often the ones who simply keep showing up.

You don’t need all the answers.
Being willing to listen, ask questions, and walk with people matters far more.

You shape the space around you.
The way you speak, the way you listen, your attitude — all of it sets a tone. People pick up on it more than you realise.

The small stuff isn’t small.
A quick message, a moment of real listening, a quiet act of kindness. These things often land far deeper than we think.

You’re already influencing others

Whether you're a parent, a student, a coach, a teacher, or just someone trying to make it through the week — you're already leading in ways you might not notice.

People are watching how you handle pressure.
They hear how you speak to others.
They notice how you treat yourself.

Here are a few questions worth asking:

• Do I help people feel calm or anxious?
• Do I build people up or wear them down?
• Do I listen or jump to fill the silence?
• Do I show up only when it suits me, or when it matters?

Don’t wait to be asked

A lot of people hold back, waiting for someone to give them a green light. Waiting to be noticed or invited.

But leadership often starts before anyone gives you permission.

You can begin right where you are.

Be the one who:

• Sends the message first
• Picks up the litter others step around
• Gets the group together
• Asks the awkward but necessary question
• Puts the chairs out without being told

Leadership isn’t about titles or spotlight.
It’s about turning up with consistency and care.

You might not think of yourself as a leader. But someone else probably already sees you that way.

So keep showing up.
Keep being kind.
Keep choosing to care.

That is what leadership looks like.
And we need more of it.

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