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Watch for the employees who create moments of powerful interpersonal impact. Who make people walk away feeling just a bit better. Look for the people who think they’re “just” something. Make sure you tell them otherwise. Make clear that in your organization, leaders aren’t defined by titles, they’re defined by actions. Leadership recognized is leadership created, and creating leadership is living leadership. Live it and you teach it. ■

How do we identify and recognize the unsung leaders in our lives and organizations? I do it by asking this question: If I was not permitted to consider, wealth, position, or prestige – if those things were no longer part of the equation – who would I look up to? I think it’s important that when we identify the people in our lives and organizations who are living their lives and doing their jobs in ways that impress us, we take a moment to let them know they are leaders. We can’t just tell them that we value them, or that what they do matters, or that we care about them—we have to tell them that they are leaders to us. Walk the halls of your offices or the aisles of your stores. Look for the cashier using a regular customer’s name and asking about their kids. Look for the employee stocking shelves at full speed even though no one’s watching. Notice the employee who stops what they’re doing to ask “can I help you”. Whose life would I truly admire. For me, it would be Mr. Peters.

About the Author

Drew Dudley is recognized as one of the most dynamic speakers on leadership in the world and has addressed more than 250,000 people worldwide.

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