Many people wish they were “the boss,” but in reality, most people are not and never will be. But those in supportive positions can have a serious impact by leading even when they are not in charge. If they are good at what they do, they make the noise go away for the person they serve. Here are five ways you too can effectively lead without being in charge.

When was the last time you heard yourself or another leader acknowledge being insecure? Almost never, right? Yet, every leader has some insecurities, if they aren’t too insecure to acknowledge them. A tinge of jealousy. A sense of doubt. A hint of fear. A lack of confidence. Insecurities are often surfaced when someone other than yourself is complimented, given recognition, or promoted. We may ignore them or deny them, but insecurities are there and when left unmanaged, can damage our relationships, our credibility, and even harm the organizations we lead. Here are 7 of the most common insecurities that can hold good leaders back.

Leaders are complicated people. And to think a single word can describe us would be the definition of over-simplification. But we all do have patterns and tendencies that result in a word or two (or three) becoming the labels for which we are known. Here are 7 of the most common words we have seen leaders lead with. Some are not so nice. Others are much more appealing. Which ones best reflect you?