When you think about leadership, what comes to mind?

Do you picture someone leading a cause, marching ahead with a clear vision, tackling challenges with focus and determination?

Or perhaps you envision a leader setting the course, bringing people along, taking risks, and empowering others?

These images are common representations of leadership — but they aren't the whole picture. Leadership happens in many forms, and it doesn't always come from the front.

Leadership Beyond the Front Line

Consider these other expressions of leadership:

• Leading from the Back: This is the person ensuring no one is left behind, supporting the front-line leaders, and helping the entire team move forward successfully.
• Leading from the Side: This leader encourages, challenges, and champions others — offering direction, feedback, and support to keep the team aligned and motivated.
• Leading from the Middle: This person connects with others across roles, identifies opportunities others might miss, turns complaints into solutions, and supports the broader vision. They engage with everyone and focus on collective success.
• Dancing Between Roles: Some leaders shift seamlessly between the front, back, side, and middle — adapting their leadership style to meet the needs of the moment and the team.

These roles may be less visible, but they are no less vital. Leadership is not confined to formal titles — it is an opportunity available to everyone, everywhere.

Embracing Leadership in Every Moment

Sometimes leadership means driving initiatives and setting direction. Other times, it means serving the people you lead — practicing "participant leadership" and "servant leadership" to ensure the collective mission succeeds.

When we overlook these opportunities, we give away a crucial source of personal power — the power to make a meaningful impact and foster deep connections. By stepping into leadership, even in small ways, we contribute to the success of our teams and the causes we care about.

From Waiting to Leading

Waiting for someone else to lead is a passive stance that limits progress. Choosing to lead — no matter your position — creates momentum. When you move from "waiting" to "leading," you tap into hidden strengths and inspire others to do the same.

And inspiring leadership in others? That, too, is an act of leadership.

Where Can You Step Into Leadership?

Leadership isn't confined to one role or direction. It exists in every seat, at every level, and in every interaction. Consider these questions:

• Where do you see an opportunity for leadership?
• How can you support those in visible leadership roles?
• How can you inspire and evoke leadership in those around you?
• What authentic leadership move could advance your team or initiative today?

Reflecting on and answering these questions can reveal powerful ways to engage and lead—whether you're at the front or behind the scenes.

The IEP Method®: Leading with Intentional Energetic Presence®

Leadership is not just about actions — it's about how you show up. The IEP Method® (Intentional Energetic Presence®) offers a framework to help you cultivate intentionality, presence, and impact in your leadership practice.

By leading with intention and aligning your energy with your goals, you can:

• Stay engaged and effective in any leadership position.
• Foster a culture where leadership is shared and supported.
• Move from reactivity to intentional, proactive leadership.

Take the Next Step

Where are you truly leading in your life and organization? Where are you missing opportunities? And where can you empower more leadership in yourself and others?

Answer just one of these questions, take action, and notice the ripple effect. Even the smallest act of leadership can create meaningful change.

If you're ready to deepen your leadership impact and explore how the IEP Method® can support you, let's take the next step together. Your leadership matters — and it's how mountains get moved.

Ready to Get Started with the IEP Method®?

• Enroll in the next IEP Method® Immersion Experience session on March 26th and 27th in Northern California. Learn more and save your seat here.
  
  
• Enroll in the Introduction to the IEP Method® Self-Study Course – Gain lifetime access for $495. Individual and group options are available to support you and your team.
  
  
• Join the IEP Method® Community Membership – Get access to the self-study course plus ongoing IEP programming for $135/month or $1,500/year.
  
  

At Active Choices, Inc. we offer a variety of pathways to support you and your company, including strategic consulting and advisory, experiential keynotes, and memberships in the IEP Method® community platform. Learn more at ActiveChoices.com.