I Thought I Was Ready For Leadership. Turns Out—i Just Wanted The Title.

What I’ve learned is that true leadership has nothing to do with job labels and everything to do with service, resilience, and self-awareness. 

If you’re chasing the status but not the substance, these signs might sound familiar.

1. I Prioritize Efficiency Over Influence

I used to pride myself on getting things done. My checklist was always full—but my team? Disconnected, unmotivated, and unsure of their direction. Leaders don’t just complete tasks—they inspire people to act.

2. I Was Hooked on Instant Results

I wanted quick wins, fast feedback, and instant success. But leadership isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. It took me time to learn that meaningful progress often looks slow, even when you’re doing it right.

3. I Feared Silence

In meetings, I’d fill every gap with words to “prove” I belonged. But silence isn't a weakness. I’ve since realized that pauses can command presence and invite reflection. Leaders know when to speak—and when not to.

4. I Thought Leadership Meant Being Confident

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. I’ve doubted myself more times than I can count. But real leadership is about showing up anyway—despite fear, not in the absence of it.

5. I Fixed Problems but Ignored Patterns

I used to jump in and solve issues as they popped up. But I wasn’t seeing the patterns that caused them. Leadership requires stepping back, identifying root causes, and building systems that prevent chaos before it starts.

6. I Needed Structure to Function

If my routine fell apart, so did my productivity. But leadership often lives in the messy middle—in uncertainty, disruption, and unpredictability. Real leaders create structure where none exists.

7. I Treated Leadership Like a Trophy

At one point, I saw leadership as something you “earn” to show you’ve made it. But it’s not a badge—it’s a burden. A privilege, yes—but one that comes with responsibility, not applause.

8. I Avoided Tough Conversations

I used to shy away from conflict, thinking peace was more important than discomfort. But growth demands friction. Leaders step into hard conversations because clarity and alignment are worth the tension.

9. I Took Credit—But Dodged Blame

When things went well, I was the first to raise my hand. When they didn’t? I had excuses. But real leaders don’t just take the win—they take the hit too. Accountability is the price of influence.

10. I Wanted to Be Seen, Not to Serve

Early on, I craved recognition. I wanted to stand out. But I’ve come to understand that true leadership is about lifting others up, even when no one notices. It's a service without a spotlight.

Am I Ready to Lead—or Just Ready for the Title?

Leadership isn’t a rank—it’s a daily commitment. It’s in the vision you share, the responsibilities you shoulder, and the service you give.

If these signs hit home, you're not alone. As Harvard Business Review points out, transitioning into leadership is a learning curve that demands new mindsets and signals—not just task execution

At Jobwings33, we believe the journey to leadership begins with self-awareness. It’s not a race to a title—it’s a commitment to growth, humility, and service.

So ask yourself again:

Are you ready to lead—or just ready to be called a leader?

Written by Thompson  Amugoro