To be an influential person in our career, we’re often told that we must rise up the ranks or build an extensive list of credentials. This is because people often associate leadership with status and fancy titles. Yet leadership isn’t defined by a job title—it’s reflected in everyday actions that inspire change, encourage collaboration, and drive impact. When people recognize that, it grants people the opportunity to innovate and grow, regardless of their role in their organization.

Across industries, women are leading from where they are, influencing decisions, and adding value without waiting for permission or formal authority. Whether through mentoring, problem-solving, or advocating for diversity, these women show that leadership is accessible to all. By embracing the idea of “leading from your seat,” they demonstrate that small actions, when taken consistently, have the power to create a lasting ripple effect within organizations and beyond.

The first and most important step to “lead from your seat” is to get into the mindset that anyone can be a leader. Women often have a harder time with this as men, as research has shown that while women often outperform men in leadership effectiveness, they are less likely to self-identify as leaders. When you think of leadership as something only belongs to some people, it becomes more difficult to take action. Leadership isn’t about waiting for the right title or the perfect moment though: it’s about doing what you can with what you have. That means whether you’re a parent making decisions for your family, an employee navigating team dynamics, or just an individual navigating your day-to-day life, you can make an impact if you take the initiative.

The question then is, what type of leader are you? While everyone has their own leadership style, the approach that best aligns with the concept of “leading from your seat” is that of the servant leader. To be a servant leader means being focused on the growth and well-being of those around you. This is valuable no matter what your position is, but it’s fundamental to the idea of “leading from your seat” because it encourages people to elevate those around them and help them be their best. It’s a mindset that demonstrates one’s capacity for leadership, but is applicable no matter what your position is, whether you’re in charge of a team or you’re just another member.

When you’ve embraced a servant leader mindset, your potential to lead increases significantly. It pushes aspiring leaders towards a mission-focused approach to work, with a focus on serving the clients’ specific needs. This elevates the work, driving better work results wherever you are. Most importantly though, servant leadership encourages us to provide guidance and mentorship, furthering diversity efforts by helping other women tap into their leadership potential.

Remember, just because you don’t have a leadership title, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t a leader. At the end of the day, leadership is a skill you put to use, and it’s one that has value no matter where you are or what you do. By embracing your potential to “lead from your seat”, you can tap into your full potential, empowering those around you while positioning yourself for greater success.

Sources:

https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/when-qualified-women-resist-the-leader-label/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2020/02/25/women-are-natural-servant-leaders-but-need-encouragement-to-take-on-the-role/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/committeeof200/2021/10/26/mentoring-matters-the-importance–of-female-mentorship

OpenAI. (2024). Image generated by ChatGPT using DALL·E. Retrieved from ChatGPT.