Thinking about leadership? start with this question

Guest Post: April Spruill

If you’re considering leadership, the first thing I’d tell you is this:ask yourself why you want to lead.

Leadership isn’t about a title or authority. It’s about responsibility.

When you step into leadership, you wear a lot of mini hats, and your role shifts quickly. You’re no longer just focused on your own work as an individual contributor—you’re responsible for developing, supporting, and advocating for other people. That shift matters, and not everyone pauses long enough to really think about it.

I strongly believe in servant leadership. For me, that means putting the needs of your team first. It means investing in their personal and professional growth and genuinely wanting to see them succeed. Your success as a leader is measured by how well your team performs and how much they grow—not by how much you personally accomplish.

Another critical part of leadership is being an active listener. You have to take the time to understand what motivates each person on your team, recognize their strengths, and identify where they need support. When you truly listen, you build trust. And trust is what drives engagement.

I also think it’s important to give yourself some grace. People are going to expect that you know everything—but you don’t. And that’s okay. You have to be comfortable saying, “That’s a great question. Let me find out.” Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing how to use your resources and where to go to get the right ones.

I would also encourage anyone stepping into leadership to find a mentor. Leadership is a continuous learning journey. Having someone who can challenge you, coach you, and give you honest feedback is incredibly valuable as you develop.

Finally, lead by example. Model the work ethic, attitude, and accountability you expect from your team. When you focus on helping others succeed, you create a culture where everyone can thrive.