Stop Waiting for a Better Boss—Become the Leader You Wish You Had
You ever look around and wonder how that person keeps getting ahead?
They’re not the smartest. Not the most experienced. And yet—somehow—they’re always in the room where decisions are made. Promotions come easy. Their teams look loyal. Their calendars don’t look like chaos.
Here’s the secret:
They learned how to lead up, down, and across—even when there was no one leading them.
And now it’s your turn.
Your Title Doesn't Make You a Leader—Your Actions Do
Let’s get real: many of you reading this are flying solo at the top. Entrepreneurs, regional leads, senior managers with layers of complexity beneath them and no clear guidance above.
If you’re waiting for someone to show up with the playbook, the support, the recognition... you’ll be waiting forever.
Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a decision. And sometimes, it starts with becoming the boss you wish you had.
The “Ultimate Showman” vs. the Real Deal
You know the type.
They talk the talk. Dress sharp. Drop buzzwords. Pull together stunning slide decks. They’re the Ultimate Showman. They manage up like pros—saying what leaders want to hear, playing politics, looking polished.
But look closer:
Are they delivering outcomes?
Are the wheels turning beneath the gloss?
Usually, no.
Here’s who you need to be instead:
The Real Deal—someone who manages up and delivers.
Someone who doesn’t just look the part, but builds systems, drives results, communicates clearly, and supports their team with competence and warmth.
What That Actually Looks Like
Becoming the leader you wish you had doesn’t mean doing everything. It means doing the right things and helping others do the same.
Track what matters – Lead with data and insight. What are your KPIs? Are they moving? Are you presenting them in a way your boss, investor, or board would actually care about?
Bring solutions, not just problems – If something’s off track, come with options. Don’t know how to fix it? That’s okay—say: “Here’s the issue. Here’s what I’ve tried. I need help.”
Lead the energy – Your tone sets the temperature. Lead with bold clarity and grounded warmth. Make it safe for people to fail fast, speak up, and win together.
Manage up—even when there’s no ‘up’ – If you’re the top layer, create your sounding board. Hire a coach, join a mastermind, find a mentor. Accountability and clarity are not luxuries—they’re leadership tools.
The Research Is Clear
Leaders who demonstrate vulnerability and ask for help are rated as more effective, not less.
According to Harvard Business Review, vulnerability is one of the fastest-growing traits in trusted leadership. It’s not soft—it’s strategic.
Employees are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged when they trust their leadership.
That trust starts with consistency, transparency, and modeling the behavior you want to see.
Psychological safety is the #1 factor in high-performing teams.
When people feel safe to speak, fail, and learn, innovation follows. It starts at the top—with you.
Here’s the Aha Moment
If you’re still waiting for someone to show you the way…
Stop.
You’re it.
The leader you’ve been hoping would walk through the door? The one who’s bold but human, strategic but warm, respected because they earn it?
That’s you.
But only if you choose to step up.
Your Move: Build It From the Inside Out
You don’t need a promotion to lead. You don’t need permission to be excellent. You don’t need a better boss—you just need a better standard.
📌 Start tracking what matters. 📌 Speak the language of clarity and direction. 📌 Ask for help when you need it—coach, mentor, peer circle, podcast. 📌 And start leading like someone worth following.
Need a next step? Listen to Transforming the Game Podcast we are always interviewing ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they don’t give up, have a mission and turn up every day.
Your journey is already in motion.
The only way to lose… is to stop.