Building Teams That Let Others Lead Differently Too

It’s one thing to lead differently. It’s another to create space for others to do the same.

A lot of leaders say they want innovation, creativity, and diverse perspectives. But when someone on the team leads in a way that doesn’t match the dominant style, things get... tense. They’re labeled as disruptive. Too quiet. Too bold. Too “out there.”

Sound familiar?

True leadership freedom isn’t just about your voice. It’s about your willingness to honor someone else’s, even when it challenges you.

Because here’s the truth: If your team feels like they have to lead your way to succeed, you’re not building leaders. You’re building mirrors. And mirrors don’t grow movements.

Want a team that leads boldly? Start here:

• Ditch the one-size-fits-all mold. Some people lead from the front. Others lead through influence, service, or quiet strategy. Make room for it all.

• Name your own bias. Are you rewarding style or substance? Are you mentoring people into their potential or into your preferences?

• Let people show up whole. The more psychological safety your team has, the more likely they are to take risks, speak truth, and solve problems with creativity.

• Model what you want to see. If you want authenticity, lead authentically. If you want courage, lead with yours.

People follow what you do, not what you say.

Great leaders don’t need a team that copies them. They need a team that trusts they can lead as themselves.

This week’s reflection:

• What kind of leadership are you rewarding on your team?

• What might change if you stopped asking people to fit your style and started helping them find their own?