• Posted on Jul 1, 2025

As you embark on your professional journey, remember that your achievements are not just for your benefit. They carry a responsibility to uplift others.

As a leader, when you secure a role that aligns with your skills and passions, consider that your real job is to help others find their path.

When you have gained knowledge, experience, or even a bit of power, it is your responsibility to share that with those who do not have the same opportunities. This also means you can be a leader at any level because you only have to be one step ahead to help those behind you, regardless of your title.

When you take responsibility to uplift others seriously, you will find that those you serve and lead will organically deepen their trust and confidence in you. Organic change is deeper and more meaningful than forced change.

Far too often leaders start at the wrong place. They start by wanting others to trust and have confidence in them from the et-go or by focusing on the wrong things. This can come across as trying too hard, being insecure, or wanting to be liked more than respected.

This is an uphill battle that isn’t worth your precious time and energy. Instead, simply uplift others through empathy, mentorship, and consistent support and you will find that the floodgates of servant leadership will open for you.

Empowerment is a two-way street. By supporting others, you not only enhance their lives but also enrich your own. This is especially crucial for historically marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, who often face additional barriers in the workplace. For example, if you know that an LGBTQ+ person in your workplace is having challenges with a supervisor due to their orientation, offer to reassign them to your department. If you are a secretary, how might you help mentor and grow the new intern?

Leadership is not just about holding a title; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. This matters because everyone can be a leader.

❔What kind of leader will you be?

❔ Is uplifting others a core of your responsibility or is it something you do “when you have time”?

As you navigate what type of leader you want to be, ask yourself:

❔How can I use my position to lift someone else?

❔What resources can I share?

❔If I were in their position, what would benefit me to know and have and how can I help this person get it?

Don’t forget to be creative! If you can’t secure resources or information for someone else, can you connect them to someone who can?

Finally, uplifting others is not only about resources and information, it’s about being a sponsor, sharing feedback, and speaking up when you witness disrespect, mistreatment, or discrimination. Once you become a respected leader who people trust, when you’re silent, it encourages others to be silent too. You will model the way, so do so with honor and compassion.

You will find that you set the standard regardless of where you fall on the formal totem poll because your influence is priceless. You will find that senior leadership gets your buy-in first because it’s clear everyone cares what you think because you care about everyone. They know if you’re on board, others will follow.

Inclusive leadership can look different depending on the person leading, but it is always ethical, creative, and compassionate.

If you’re interested in leadership coaching, career wellness, or a speaker for your event, DM me today. Ask me about my leadership workshops and inclusive sexual harassment training.

I look forward to connecting with you!

Warmly,

~ Ebony 🌺