Everyone wants to be seen as a leader. Many even think they already are. But here’s the hard truth: knowing what to do and when to do it doesn’t make you a leader. That’s competence - just the tip of the iceberg.
What really matters, the part beneath the surface, takes courage, resolve, ambition, and fortitude. It takes instinct.
Leadership: Learned vs. Innate
You can learn about leadership. You can sharpen your communication skills, read every book on decision-making, and practice strategies.
But the instinct to lead - that inner drive that makes you step forward when others hesitate - cannot simply be taught.
It can be nurtured.
It can be tested.
It can be proven.
Leadership requires an inner drive that can’t simply be handed to you. But you do have to discover your instincts, sharpen your skills, and gain the experience that allow your leadership to flourish.
The Three Core Values of Leadership Instinct
Leadership instinct shows up in three ways:
1. Self-Confidence:
Do you believe in yourself?
Do you truly think you have the capacity to lead — and the desire to do so?
Can you define what being a leader means to you?
Self-confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s the quiet assurance that you can face uncertainty and still move forward.
2. Trust
Do you trust yourself and your abilities?
Do you have the strength of character to trust others — to delegate, rely on them, and let them shine?
Trust is the foundation of every successful team. Without it, leadership becomes control, not collaboration.
3. Openness
How do you handle success?
How do you handle failure?
Can you embrace your own vulnerabilities — and those of others?
Openness is what allows leaders to keep learning, to adapt, and to see strength in imperfection.
Leadership Means Responsibility
Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a commitment - to yourself, your team, and your organization.
You are accountable across every level:
- Organization-wide
- Cross-functional processes
- Departments and business units
- Teams and individuals
- Yourself
A leader is responsible to:
- Lead strategically: think critically, drive change, shape culture.
- Manage performance: oversee people, finances, and outcomes.
- Run operations: facilitate, negotiate, and execute.
- Develop others: coach, engage, influence.
- Manage oneself: solve problems, communicate effectively, continuously learn.
Take Action: Leadership Begins Within
- Reflect. Which of the three values (self-confidence, trust, openness) comes naturally to you? Which do you avoid?
- Act. This week, take one leadership action. Maybe it’s trusting a colleague with a task you’d normally control, or admitting a mistake publicly to model openness.
Want to take it further? Check out our programs designed to develop leadership skills and test your instincts:
Strategic Leadership: Business Intelligence
Leading and Managing Change
Supply Chain & Logistics Optimization
Leadership grows not by theory, but by practice — and we’re here to give you the tools to act.