New leaders often feel the pressure to have all the answers. The instinct is understandable. In high-responsibility environments, clarity and decisiveness matter. But leadership isn’t about dominating the conversation—it’s about unlocking the potential of those around you.
For early-stage leaders, competence can feel like a gift. You’re capable, adaptable, and often able to make progress faster than those around you. But the very trait that opens up so many paths can also create its own unique form of pressure.
At the start of any leadership journey, it’s easy to believe you have to figure it all out on your own. That’s often what the world tells us: work harder, push through, and don’t show weakness.
In any organisation, it’s tempting to stay focused on your immediate team—your department, your boss, your project. But leadership doesn't stop at your job title or team boundaries. If you want to lead effectively and make a meaningful impact, you must understand one crucial truth: relationships across the organisation matter.