As we move through our careers, many of us have come to appreciate the great balancing act that leadership requires. It is a dance that does not get easier with time, even though, at one point earlier in our career we might have expected it to. Instead, as we gain rank and experience, the balancing act becomes more intricate, more nuanced. The stakes are higher, and the impact of our actions echo even further. One of the most challenging aspects of this is finding the right balance of who we are in the workspace—so we can lead effectively and connect with as many people as possible.
Something we have noticed, and perhaps you have too, is how our knowledge and enthusiasm, which once fueled our drive to lead, can sometimes be misinterpreted by newer or younger employees. They may see our intensity and commitment as aggressive or overpowering, rather than the passion we intend. This is especially true as we move into more senior roles. The energy we bring to a project or a conversation, born from years of experience and a genuine desire to see our work succeed, can sometimes come across as intimidating.
This is where the balance comes into play. We need to be mindful of how our words and actions are perceived. It is not about dampening our enthusiasm but about channeling it in a way that encourages rather than overwhelms. It is about being aware of the different energy levels in the room and at times adjusting our approach. After all, leadership is not just about driving results; it is about bringing people along with us on the journey.
Another tricky part of this balancing act is how our hard-earned knowledge and expertise can sometimes be viewed as a reluctance to embrace new ideas. We have spent years honing our craft, and with that comes a certain level of confidence in what works and what doesn’t. But to someone who is just starting out, our firm stance on a particular issue might come across as a flat-out “no,” or worse, as a sign that we are not open to innovation.
The reality is that we have seen trends come and go. We have witnessed the impact of decisions over the long term. But that does not mean we should shut down new ideas before they have had a chance to be explored. The balance here is in being open to fresh perspectives while also sharing the wisdom we have accumulated. It is about listening, truly listening, and then thoughtfully weighing in—not just with our experience but with an openness to what could be.
And then there is the matter of our title—something we have worked hard to earn but can also be a double-edged sword. As we climb the ladder, our title alone can become a barrier. People sometimes see the position before they see the person. They might hesitate to approach us, fearing judgment or rejection, or simply feeling that their voice won’t be heard. This is one of the more subtle, yet significant, challenges we face as leaders: how to remain approachable, how to let people know that despite our rank, we are still here to listen, to support, to lead with empathy.
The balance here lies in how we present ourselves, in the small but meaningful gestures that invite openness. It is in taking the time to walk our facilities and open spaces, to have informal conversations, to be available. It is in showing vulnerability, admitting when we do not have all the answers, and creating an environment where everyone feels they can contribute, regardless of their position or experience.
Leadership, especially as we gain experience and rank, is indeed a great balancing act. It is about navigating the complexities of human interaction, understanding that our actions, words, titles, and even our presence carry weight. It is about being passionate without being overpowering, knowledgeable without being dismissive, and authoritative without being unapproachable.
As we continue to grow in our leadership roles, this balancing act will always be there, challenging us to be better, to connect more deeply, and to lead with a blend of confidence and humility. And perhaps that is the greatest lesson of all: that leadership is not about reaching a destination, but about continually adjusting, learning, and striving to bring out the best in ourselves and those we lead.
Written by: Annie Frisoli, Dawnee Moreno & Erica Perez - thank you to these beautiful professionals for inspiring and designing this blog AND more importantly for their continued leadership. Thank you both for making such a difference in so many lives.
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