From big career moves to speaking up in meetings, leadership is shaped by a constant stream of decisions: Should I or shouldn’t I?
Sometimes it’s whether to challenge the status quo in a room full of people who see things differently. Other times, it’s whether to hold your ground when someone criticizes a team’s work without seeing the whole picture.
Whatever the context, many leaders focus their energy on what might go wrong – rejection, conflict, awkwardness. But here’s the truth: Your decisions don’t only shape outcomes. They shape your leadership brand.
Small Decisions, Big Leadership Signals
A recent situation brought this to life.
A colleague shared that in a recent meeting, she hesitated to share a bold idea. The conversation was already heading in a different direction. Her idea was solid, thoughtful, and strategic, though unconventional. She stayed quiet.
After the meeting, someone else voiced a similar concept, and it gained traction.
Her takeaway? “That could’ve been my moment to lead, but I second-guessed myself.”
In another situation, a senior leader I work with presented her team’s progress on a high-stakes project. One stakeholder quickly dismissed the update, focusing on a single missed metric. The room went quiet.
Instead of folding, she calmly acknowledged the gap and confidently walked the group through the broader progress and impact. She reframed the narrative. Not defensive, not passive. With calm clarity.
That moment didn’t just preserve her credibility; it strengthened it.
And it had me thinking: When any of us hesitate to speak up or let one negative comment outweigh ten wins…what message does that send about how we lead and feel about ourselves?
Leadership Lives in the Tough Calls
We often think our leadership is measured by the big decisions: strategic plans, promotions, crisis responses. Often, it’s the way we respond in real-time moments of doubt, disagreement, or dismissal that defines us and our character.
- The choice to stay silent when you have a better idea, even when no one knows what was on your mind, changes how you feel about yourself.
- Letting one criticism shrink your confidence can unintentionally reinforce someone else’s narrative.
- Speaking up, when it’s hard, is a decision that says: I’m here. I have something of value to contribute. I believe in the work we’re doing.
These aren’t just personal moments. They are leadership moments.
And every choice sends a signal:
Are you confident or cautious? Clear or reactive?
Do you lead from your values or from fear?
Do you protect your voice or use it with intention?
The Leadership Alignment Check
Before your next decision, whether it’s staying quiet or speaking up, ask:
- Is this aligned with my leadership values?
- Am I letting discomfort dictate my action or purpose?
- Does this reflect how I want to be experienced and remembered as a leader?
Bottom Line
✅ Consistency reinforces trust
✅ Courage increases visibility
✅ Clarity expands influence
Whether it’s moving forward with grace, defending progress with confidence, or simply offering a different view—every small decision contributes to the story people tell about you and your leadership.
So next time you’re tempted to play it safe, ask yourself:
What do I want this moment to say about who I am as a leader?
Because often, it’s not about the risk.
It’s about what you choose to stand for.
Ready to Elevate Your Leadership?
At Authentic Leaders Edge, we help leaders like you develop an impactful leadership presence that establishes the value only you can offer. Whether you’re leading a team or refining your personal brand, Dorothy Lazovik provides tailored coaching to accelerate your growth.
Book a complimentary 30-minute consultation to explore how coaching can help you step into your full potential. Email today to get started!
