What is leadership to you?

Courtney Chaffee

August 17,2022 at 4:27PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

What is leadership to you?

I'm part of what is considered the leadership team. I don't supervise anyone, but I have a lot of staff I work closely with on teams/committees. I'm intrigued to hear what others think leadership looks like when you work in a position where you aren't supervising others.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

3 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

3 Comments

Join the conversation

Juli FishAugust 17,2022 at 5:47PM UTC
Depending on the size of the company and the industry there can be many individuals that manage a key piece of the business. When those individuals come together to create plans and take actions to reach a company goal then I do believe that is leadership. You don't have a to have direct reports to lead. Especially in smaller companies or in departments/areas where the company doesn't need a whole team. I think it's all in how you frame it.
For example, when I started my last job I was managing a segment of the business (a line of business so to speak) by myself. It was just me. I worked with others in the organization and their staff/teams to help the company grow. I felt that made me part of the leadership team because I was representing my part of the business.
AprilAugust 17,2022 at 6:12PM UTC
Anyone can be a leader without being a boss. I once worked with a woman who was outstanding at this. She had many qualities people would glean to improve their own style of leadership. She became a great friend of mine.
She had great people skills and wasn't afraid of feedback. She knew how to confront issues with strength and grace. To this day, I still use skills and qualities she exemplified and teach them to others.
Ultimately, I think the key to great leadership is "followership." It was a phrase that was used regarding my friend. When the time came for people to join a team or committee on which she was already a part of or led, people ran at the opportunity to work with her. Her impact was remarkable.
When people start looking to you as a person who has positive influence, amazing people skills, and want to work with you when given the chance, you know you're on the right track of being a great leader.
AnonymousAugust 17,2022 at 7:30PM UTC
Leadership to me means having integrity and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It also means actively seeking out ways to create an impact. You can't be a leader without any followers, so take time to step up, innovate and make a difference!