Many of us have experienced leaders who were more enamored with their titles than with the responsibility that comes with genuine leadership. These individuals may have held the position, but they lacked the actions that define what it truly means to lead. Chances are you’ve witnessed these so-called leaders in action—or rather, in inaction.
You may recognize them: the ones who scan the room to ensure they are conversing only with those they deem most important, usually based on job title. The ones who show little respect for others speaking in meetings unless those others hold a title they feel is worthy of their attention. The ones who never miss an opportunity to remind everyone what they know, what they have done, and what they have accomplished. Ironically, these same individuals often speak at length about employee engagement, organizational culture, and the importance of leadership. Yet, their actions seldom align with their words.
Here’s the thing: talking about leadership and actually leading are two very different things.
While title-driven leaders exist, thankfully, in my many years in the credit union industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with far more action-driven leaders. These are the individuals who don’t just speak about employee engagement and corporate culture, they live it. Their words and actions are aligned, making their leadership both credible and impactful.
Genuine leaders engage in meaningful conversations with team members regardless of title or tenure. They are genuinely curious about different perspectives, recognizing that valuable insights can come from anyone within the credit union. They understand that leadership is not about them, it’s about the people they serve.
These individuals embrace behavioral leadership expectations and, more importantly, hold themselves and others accountable to them. Their credibility is built not through self-promotion but through consistent, intentional actions that foster trust, collaboration, and respect.
John Maxwell’s Five Levels of Leadership offers a compelling perspective on this. At Level 1, leadership is merely about position, people follow because they have to. It is the lowest level of leadership and does not translate to being a true leader. As leaders progress through the levels, they earn trust, build relationships, and inspire through influence. By Level 5, leadership transcends title and becomes about the lasting legacy of one’s influence and impact.
James M. Kouzes once said, “If you think you’re a leader and you turn around and no one is following you, then you’re simply out for a walk.” Leadership is not about the title you hold but about the actions you take and the influence you have on those around you.
In the credit union industry, where people helping people is a fundamental principle, leadership is even more critical. Leaders are looked to for guidance, support, and inspiration. Individuals and teams seek leaders who foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, not ones who simply revel in their title.
Leaders who create this deep impact don’t succeed by luck, or because they innately possess all the necessary skills. Generally, they have intentionally committed much time and energy to personal development in key areas relevant to leadership essentials.
Focusing on leadership development is not a “nice to have,” it is imperative. Emotional intelligence, effective communication, and genuine commitment to personal and professional growth are non-negotiable when striving for healthy and engaged cultures, and leadership impact. Leadership is about influence, and influence cannot be manufactured or demanded, it must be earned.
A thriving credit union culture, built on trust and engagement, requires leaders who demonstrate integrity, empathy, and accountability in every interaction. A leadership title can be given and taken away. But how you lead, through your words and actions, is something you alone own. Every day presents an opportunity to choose between being a leader in name only or being a leader who inspires, influences, and elevates those around them. Will you focus on your title, or will you focus on truly leading? Choose wisely, because the success of your organization and the well-being of your people depend on it.
