The Hidden Skill That Sets Top Leaders Apart
Most leaders are high achievers. They work hard, take on big challenges, and stay focused on results. But there’s one key difference between those who simply maintain success and those who accelerate their growth:
They don’t wait for opportunities. They advocate for them.
It’s easy to assume that if you keep delivering great work, someone will notice. That your boss, your company, or your industry will naturally provide you with the mentorship, development, or career opportunities you deserve.
But the truth is:
No one will prioritize your growth as much as you will.
If you don’t ask for support, you may never get it.
The best leaders don’t wait for someone else to invest in them—they seek out the opportunities that will make them better.
The question is: Are you waiting for the opportunity, or are you advocating for it?
The Difference Between Waiting and Advocating
Some leaders adopt a “wait and see” approach to their own development. They assume that if they work hard, leadership training, coaching, and career advancement will naturally come their way.
But the most successful leaders? They take a different approach. They actively:
✔ Identify the skills, guidance, and support they need
✔ Make a compelling case for why their growth benefits the team, company, and mission
✔ Seek out the right mentors, coaches, or learning opportunities—before they’re in crisis mode
This isn’t about demanding promotions or pushing for attention. It’s about owning your development as a leader and ensuring you have the right resources to maximize your impact.
How to Advocate for Your Own Growth
If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, here’s where to start:
1. Get Clear on What You Need
Growth doesn’t happen by accident. Take time to reflect on what would elevate your leadership:
Do you need better decision-making skills for high-stakes situations?
Are you struggling with team alignment during a major transition?
Is it time to improve your ability to navigate difficult conversations?
Knowing what you need is the first step to advocating for it.
2. Communicate Your Value
Advocating for your own development isn’t just about you—it’s about how your growth benefits those around you. Whether you’re asking for leadership training, a mentor, or an executive coach, frame your request in terms of impact.
Instead of saying:
"I’d love to work with a coach to build my leadership skills."
Try:
"I want to become a stronger leader so I can help our team navigate change, improve collaboration, and drive better results. I’d like to explore coaching as a way to strengthen my ability to lead through complexity."
Great leaders don’t seek growth just for personal gain—they do it to serve their teams better. When you frame your development as a business advantage, decision-makers are more likely to support your request.
3. Seek the Right Support
The most successful leaders don’t go it alone. They surround themselves with people who challenge them, stretch them, and support them.
Whether it’s an executive coach, a trusted mentor, or a structured leadership development program, investing in proactive growth will put you ahead of the curve.
The key is to act before you feel stuck. Waiting until a crisis forces you to grow is a missed opportunity. The best leaders take ownership of their learning and seek out resources that will prepare them for what’s next.
Are You Waiting or Advocating?
Take a moment to reflect on where you are right now:
Have you been waiting for someone to recognize your potential?
Are you assuming growth opportunities will appear on their own?
Do you have the right support system in place to elevate your leadership?
If not, now is the time to act.
Take the Next Step in Your Leadership Growth
If you’re ready to invest in yourself and become the leader you know you’re capable of being, let’s talk.
Schedule a Leadership & Team Alignment Audit today. In this session, we’ll assess where you are, uncover what’s holding you back, and create a roadmap for your next phase of growth.
Because great leaders don’t just hope for growth. They advocate for it.