The Misunderstood Nature of Leadership

I’ve recently been reflecting on what leadership really means. It’s easy to claim it as a skill, but much harder to practice in a way that truly serves a team.

We often hear people describe themselves as “natural leaders.” It’s a skill that looks good on a CV, feels good to say out loud, and in theory, signals confidence. But I’ve learned through observation that leadership isn’t simply about taking charge or being good with people — it requires a deeper blend of self-awareness, decisiveness, and resilience that many of us underestimate.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve realised is that clarity matters. Being direct can sometimes come across as blunt, but in fast-paced environments, clarity is often the kindest and most effective approach. It saves time, reduces misunderstandings, and keeps projects moving forward.

On the other hand, being overly cautious or “too soft” may feel safe in the moment, but it often leaves problems unresolved and creates room for tension. Sometimes beating around the bush to protect people’s feelings feels considerate, but in practice it only delays the truth and makes solutions harder to reach.

Building on this point, another thing I’ve noticed is how easy it is to confuse sensitivity with empathy. Empathy is powerful in leadership because it allows you to connect with people and understand where they’re coming from. But when sensitivity tips into overthinking or over-identifying with other people’s reactions, it can derail progress. Small issues get amplified, judgment is taken personally, and objectivity is lost. While empathy is essential, being overly sensitive can blur objectivity. Leaders need to know when to engage emotionally and when to step back for clarity.

I’ve also noticed how easy it is for leaders to slip into confirmation bias. When someone decides on a conclusion too quickly and then filters every piece of feedback to support that conclusion, they’re no longer leading — they’re defending. This kind of rigidity might feel like decisiveness, but in reality, it closes the door to better possibilities and limits the group’s ability to adapt, learn, and move forward. Real leadership means staying open, even when it’s uncomfortable, and resisting the urge to protect your ego.

And maybe the hardest lesson of all: mindset. A fixed mindset in leadership often relies on hindsight and looks like only learning after mistakes happen, dismissing advice if it doesn’t come from someone “worthy,” or blaming situations and people rather than taking ownership. A fixed mindset traps you in cycles of blame and defensiveness.

This is where the gap between “having experience” and “having foresight” shows up most clearly. Experience teaches lessons, yes — but foresight requires openness, humility, and the willingness to learn before things go wrong. The strongest leaders I’ve observed are proactive, willing to listen to advice, and open to perspectives that don’t fully align with their own. You don’t have to accept everything, but dismissing it outright means you miss chances to learn.

What I’m starting to see is that leadership is less about titles, labels, or even intentions, and more about the quiet discipline of balance. It’s the ability to be empathetic without being consumed, decisive without being rigid, and confident without being dismissive.

The best leaders aren’t necessarily the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who bring clarity, stability and trust when things feel messy, and create space for others to do their best work.

Anyhoo, I'm what, 23? What do I know? I'll probably change my mind and discover more the longer I live or if I come across some questionable but perspective altering youtube video. In any case, this is what I think now.

Best,

Oli

Ps. I'm not sorry for the meme dump, I had too much fun.