When people think of leadership, they often imagine a confident figure delivering a speech or guiding a team through high-stakes challenges. But real leadership rarely starts in such grand moments. In fact, leadership begins with small, deliberate steps that slowly push you out of your comfort zone and help you build the skills and habits that make a big impact over time.

Leadership Starts with Small Actions

If you’re waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder and say, “You’re a leader now,” you might be waiting a long time. Unlocking your leadership potential means taking small, sometimes quiet steps toward contributing more effectively and showing up in ways that others may not notice right away. Maybe it’s about getting more comfortable speaking up in meetings, or learning to set clear agendas so your team can stay focused. Whatever it looks like, leadership is about taking ownership and putting a bit more intention behind your actions.

Challenge the Things Holding You Back

Many of us carry around self-doubts that prevent us from stepping up. You might think, What if I’m wrong? What if people judge me? What if my idea just creates more work for everyone? These thoughts are normal, but they can keep you in your comfort zone and limit your growth.

To unlock your leadership potential, it’s essential to recognize these barriers and start nudging them aside. It doesn’t have to be a huge leap—start with a small step. Push yourself to speak up when an idea comes to mind, or offer a suggestion even if you’re not 100% sure it’ll be the perfect solution. The point isn’t perfection. It’s about learning to trust yourself.

Accept That Leadership Looks Different for Everyone

The stereotypical leader stands at the front of the room, delivering a charismatic speech that captures everyone’s attention. But not everyone is drawn to or comfortable with that kind of leadership. The truth is, leadership can look completely different from one person to the next. For some, it’s about running a well-organized meeting where everyone has a voice. For others, it’s about identifying what a project needs and stepping in to help, even when it’s outside their usual responsibilities. Leadership might even mean taking on the less glamorous tasks—gathering feedback, synthesizing it, and presenting it to senior management in a way that drives change.

Think of leadership as creating and growing something that wasn’t there before. It doesn’t matter if that “something” is a groundbreaking idea, a streamlined process, or just a more positive team dynamic. If you’re building, improving, or moving the needle forward, you’re leading.

Learning to Observe and Build on the Status Quo

One of the biggest myths about leadership is that you have to be disruptive to be impactful. But many of the best leaders I know are those who can observe the status quo, see it for what it is, and then offer small, strategic adjustments that improve the situation for everyone. They don’t always shout to make a point; sometimes, they lead quietly but with purpose.

Being an observer means paying attention to what’s working, what’s not, and where there’s room for improvement. When you look at a situation objectively, you can begin to identify the areas where you can make the most difference. Whether it’s a minor tweak to a process or a new way of approaching a problem, leaders are often those who can step back, look at the bigger picture, and make meaningful suggestions.

Find Your Unique Way of Leading

Unlocking your potential also means discovering how you best communicate and connect with others. Not everyone needs to be the “natural-born leader” who commands the room. Maybe you’re most effective in one-on-one situations or in smaller team settings. For me, I’ve learned that while I’m comfortable speaking to large groups, my real strength is in working with smaller groups, like a classroom or boardroom of 30 people or fewer. In those settings, I can see people learn, apply their new skills, and grow. That’s where I make the biggest impact, and finding your own ideal environment can make a big difference in how you lead.

Your environment is just as important as your message. Pay attention to where you feel most confident, where people respond best to you, and where your skills shine. Some leaders thrive on big stages, while others excel in intimate discussions or in roles where they can observe and analyze before taking action. Whatever your style, it’s about finding the environment that allows you to be at your best.

Change Your Routine to Change Your Impact

Unlocking your leadership potential doesn’t mean waking up tomorrow as a different person; it’s about making small adjustments that help you show up differently over time. A great place to start is with your daily routines. Changing even one or two habits can alter your impact significantly. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Change Your Pattern: Instead of jumping straight into giving solutions, try asking questions first. This can help you understand the problem better and involve others in the solution.
• Make a New Habit: If you’re naturally quiet in meetings, push yourself to share an idea or ask a question in each session. If you’re talkative, practice holding back to allow others space to contribute.
• Experiment with Your Tone of Voice: Sometimes how you say something is just as important as what you say. Try out different tones—be more direct, empathetic, or light-hearted depending on the context—and see how it affects your interactions.
• Switch Up Your Listening and Speaking Balance: If you usually listen, push yourself to share when an idea comes to mind, even if it’s half-formed. Conversely, if you usually lead with your thoughts, try active listening and ask follow-up questions.

These small changes might feel awkward at first, but they’re invaluable in helping you find your most effective communication style. Over time, as you continue to adjust, you’ll find a natural rhythm that suits your personality and leadership goals.

Realize That No One is Coming to “Make You a Leader”

One of the most empowering steps you can take in your leadership journey is realizing that no one’s coming to make you a leader. If you see things that need to change, don’t wait for permission. Waiting for someone else to validate your potential will keep you stuck.

If you’re frustrated with the way things are, take a small action to make them better. It’s easy to stay quiet and let others take the reins, but if you’re not speaking up, then you’re not part of the solution. Leaders don’t wait–they step forward, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain.

The Journey is About Growth, Not Perfection

Finally, remember that unlocking your potential isn’t about waking up one day as a perfect leader. Growth is messy, iterative, and full of trial and error. You’ll try new things, make mistakes, and learn along the way. The point isn’t to be perfect; it’s to keep moving forward. Each small step adds up, and over time, those steps will lead to bigger changes that shift how you show up and contribute.

In the end, unlocking your leadership potential means embracing a journey that’s unique to you. It’s about learning to see yourself as a creator, a builder, and a contributor, even if you’re not the loudest or most visible person in the room. You’re a leader when you choose to step up, take ownership, and create positive change, no matter how small. Start with the small steps that feel right for you, and watch as they add up to something impactful.