When I first started growing my team, I thought leadership meant setting the vision.

You know, laying out the big goals, getting everyone excited, and then letting them run with it. 

In my head, it was all about direction and inspiration. And once that was in place? Off we go!

But what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) is that leadership doesn’t stop at strategy.

It’s not enough to say, “Here’s where we’re headed,” and then hope everyone arrives with you.

Leadership is also about:
✔ Equipping your team with the tools to succeed
✔ Checking in often (not just at the start)
✔ Supporting them through the messy middle, when motivation dips or things don’t go to plan

And yep, I’ve dropped the ball on this before.

I’ve had team members feel like they were winging it, unsure of what was expected or how to move forward. Not because they weren’t capable but because I wasn’t consistent in showing up for them once the initial excitement wore off.

That was a big moment for me.

I realised that leadership isn’t just about setting the course but about staying with the crew.

Not just on the sunny days. Not just when everyone’s fired up.

But also in the tough seasons when things feel wobbly, the sales aren’t flowing and when you want to hide under a doona instead of running another team meeting.

That’s when your leadership really counts. 

It doesn’t have to be loud, or perfect, or polished. It just needs to be present, because that’s what build trust and culture and ultimately grows the kind of business you actually want to lead.

So if you’re in a season where it all feels a bit shaky, this is your reminder: Keep showing up. Your team needs you more than your 10-step plan.