Not everyone is built to lead from the front. Some people steer best from the second row. Know which seat is yours.

Leadership gets pictured as one thing, usually loud and out in front, and that picture leaves out most of the people who keep things moving. Some are best at holding the standard, asking the question nobody asked, or steadying whoever is taking the heat. Taking a role that does not suit you costs the group as much as it costs you.

Think about the last team or project that went well and name what you actually contributed. If it was not the front, stop treating that as a gap to fix. Get better at the seat you are good in.