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Hey there, it’s Jill!
Today, let’s talk about leadership — a word we hear often, but what does it truly mean, and why does it matter?

In this post, I’ll share my reflections on four key questions:

• What is leadership, and why does it exist?

• What capability lies at the heart of effective leadership?

• What is the most common misunderstanding about leadership?

• And most importantly — why does it matter to everyone, regardless of role?

Over the years, while working alongside many talented individuals, I’ve noticed that those who demonstrate leadership tend to naturally stand out — no matter their level or title.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes these people so compelling, and whether leadership is something you can develop, please keep reading.

What Is It and Why It Exists

To begin, let’s define leadership :

In other words, leadership exists because there is a need for it — specifically, the need to accomplish something greater than what any one individual could achieve alone.

Consider the corporate world: whether it's leading a large cross-functional project or organizing a team event, wherever there is demand, there is a call for leadership.

What Capability Is at the Centre of Leadership

This is a difficult question to answer in a single sentence. Some of the most common qualities associated with effective leaders include:

• influence, direction, motivation, decision-making, problem-solving, collaboration, respect for diverse perspectives, supportiveness, goal orientation, etc.

However, if I had to distill it down to just two core capabilities, they would be:

• Strong judgment

• Strong communication skills

These two traits form the foundation upon which nearly all other leadership qualities are built.

🎯 Strong Judgement

As mentioned above, the ultimate test of leadership is whether the team is able to achieve its goals. Leaders with strong judgment can recognize opportunities or risks well in advance and prepare the team accordingly.

Over the years, I’ve observed that leaders with exceptional judgment often don’t need to be involved in every minor decision. But when it comes to critical decision points — what direction to take, how to allocate resources, or whose alignment is essential, etc., their clarity and decisiveness make a profound difference.

In my experience, sometimes, just a five-minute touchpoint with someone who has sound judgment has helped me resolve questions that might have taken me weeks to sort through on my own.

So, how do we develop stronger judgment — whether or not we’re in formal leadership roles?

💬 Strong Communication Skills

In complex environments — where timelines are aggressive, interests may differ, or people simply aren’t understanding each other — strong communication skills become essential.

Effective communication takes many forms: presentations, cross-functional coordination, collaboration, coaching, and more. They allow teams to align more quickly, reduce friction, and move projects forward.

You can think of it as the delivery arm of strong leadership — it’s how judgment and intention are translated into shared understanding.

At its core, communication is powered by two things:

• Sound judgment

• A genuine willingness to understand how others think

As one senior leader once told me:

Strong communicators recognize this truth — and use it to connect across working styles, bridge misunderstandings, and minimize unnecessary conflict.

Common Misunderstanding 🚫

There are several persistent myths about leadership that can discourage people from recognizing or developing it in themselves. Let’s unpack a few of the most common:

1. “Leadership is only for people in higher positions.”
Not true.

Leadership exists because there is a need — and that need can arise at any level. While formal leaders may be expected to show it more consistently, anyone can step up and lead in the right context.

When your team needs someone to organize a karaoke night or plan a team lunch — those are all opportunities for leadership. You don’t need a title to be a leader.

2. “Leadership is always top-down.”
Also not true.

Leadership can happen in any direction — even sideways or upward. You can lead among your peers by offering clarity, structure, or support. You can lead up by guiding your manager when you’re the subject matter expert.

Think back to a time when someone came to you with a challenge — and you helped them find a solution using your experience. That’s leadership!

3. “Leadership is a natural trait.”
Not true, and not helpful.

Leadership, like strong judgment or communication, is a skillset that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened over time.

Yes, certain personality traits (like being extroverted) might help someone get noticed more quickly. But real leadership is about contribution and awareness — When you understand your strengths and use them to serve a shared goal, you’re already cultivating leadership.

Why It Matters for Everyone

Because it’s deeply connected to personal and professional growth. It sharpens your decision-making, helps you navigate conflict, and builds adaptability in a fast-changing world.

As you develop leadership, you’re constantly absorbing information — about your work, your environment, and the people around you. That awareness allows you to carve out a path that works best for your strengths.

On a broader level, leadership enables you to collaborate more effectively with others and work toward shared goals. It's not just about leading others — it's about being intentional in how you contribute and grow alongside your team.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t reserved for titles, it’s something you build through action, reflection, and a willingness to grow. Whether you're guiding a team, supporting a peer, or simply learning to make better decisions, your leadership matters.

Start where you are. Practice good judgment. Communicate with clarity. Over time, you’ll find that leadership isn’t something you wait to be given — it’s something you step into.

Thanks for reading — and as always, I’m cheering you on.

— Jill

Founder of Anchor Growth Newsletter

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