We are all leaders (even if we don’t realise it yet)

In my last post, I explored The Power of Why – how asking the right questions shapes direction, clarity, and purpose. This, as I covered, is critical in Salesforce^® delivery, from delivering a new flow automation to full-scale enterprise digital transformation projects such as our work for the global manufacturer Saint-Gobain.

But knowing why something matters is just the start. What comes next? Who takes action? Who steps up?

The answer? More often than we think or realise, it’s us – and the people and teams around us.

The leadership moment you didn’t see coming

Picture this: You’re out with a group of friends trying to decide where to eat. Everyone is stuck in an endless loop of “I don’t mind, you choose.” The conversation spirals into a diplomatic deadlock, with no resolution in sight.

Then, one person steps up and says, “Let’s go here – it’s got great reviews and we won’t have to wait for a table.” And just like that, the gridlock dissolves.

No one starves. No friendships are lost to hunger-induced irritation. A decision has been made, order restored, and society – albeit in its smallest, dinner-seeking form – continues to function.

Now, was that person the CEO of the friend group? No! Were they the official decision-maker? Also no. But in that moment, they took ownership, made a call, and got everyone moving. That’s leadership. And it happens every day – in ways we rarely notice.

Leadership is everywhere, not just in boardrooms

Leadership is often framed as something reserved for CEOs, managers, and people with impressive job titles. But the reality is, most leadership happens in the spaces between formal roles.

Think about the last time:

• A colleague helped steer a chaotic project in the right direction – without being the manager.
• Someone spoke up in a meeting and shifted the way people were thinking – without an official leadership title.
• A friend guided a tough conversation, helped make a decision, or just got people to take action.

It happens at work, in friendships, in families, even in day-to-day life. Some of the best leadership doesn’t come from authority – it comes from action, influence, and trust.

Leadership comes in many forms

Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some lead with confidence, some with quiet influence, and some without even realising it.

There are countless ways leadership shows up – but some of the most common include:

The Accidental Leader: The team member who steps up to guide a project, not because it’s their job, but because someone had to.

The Influence Leader: The person people naturally turn to for advice, even though they don’t have any official authority.

The Quiet Leader: The one who leads by example, shifting perspectives and inspiring action without saying much at all.

These are just a few examples – some leaders thrive in high-pressure situations, while others lead by building strong relationships and trust over time.

The point? Leadership isn’t about fitting into a single category – it’s about recognising how you naturally lead and how to develop that further.

Leadership vs. authority – why influence and ownership matter more

Leadership isn’t about titles, seniority, or job descriptions – it’s about influence, action, and ownership. Being in charge doesn’t automatically make someone a leader. Not having authority doesn’t mean you can’t lead.

We’ve all seen managers who struggle to inspire, and we’ve also seen people with no formal power who shape direction effortlessly. People follow those they trust, respect, and see taking ownership – not just the ones with a fancy title.

Think about it:

• Influence without ownership? That’s just opinion. If someone has great ideas but doesn’t take responsibility for making them happen, they aren’t really leading.
• Ownership without influence? That’s just work. Someone who quietly takes responsibility but never steps forward to shape direction is reliable – but not necessarily leading.
• True leadership? It’s both. The best leaders take ownership of the outcome and have influence to rally people around it.

So where does that leave you? If leadership is about more than authority, how do you recognise it in yourself and in others?

That’s where things get interesting…

Recognising leadership in yourself and others

By now, you might be thinking: “Okay, I get it – leadership isn’t about job titles. But how do I know if I’m actually leading?” Or maybe an even better question: “How do I recognise leadership in others?”

Leadership isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t come with a neon sign flashing “LEADER HERE!” or a corporate-issued polo shirt with “Natural Born Leader” embroidered on the chest. You don’t get a commemorative mug or a VIP parking spot near the coffee machine.

More often, it shows up in subtle ways – moments where people take responsibility, guide others, and quietly make things happen. But just as important as stepping up is knowing when to step back – to recognise leadership in others, support them, and allow yourself to be led when it makes sense.

Leadership in action: digital transformation and Salesforce

Recently, through leading a large scale enterprise Salesforce digital transformation project and complex data migration, I was constantly reminded of all the key principles at play here. Hard immovable deadlines, shifting requirements and priorities, but the ultimate goal could not change. But, whilst I may have had a lead role, I was in no way the leader of all. 

So many people stepped up to lead without being asked, showed true leadership in spite of the challenges and timelines – and critically, we did it as a team and with a smile and joke. Frequently, it’s in those tougher moments that true leadership stands out.

Leadership isn’t about always being the one in charge; it’s about understanding when to lead and when to follow. Just as the best leaders know when to speak and when to listen, they create space for others to contribute, to take ownership, and to develop their own leadership skills. It’s a cycle: we step up, we support, we learn, we teach.

Delivering success, together

At VRP Consulting, we see this in action every day – leadership isn’t just about seniority, or job title, it’s about how teams collaborate, take ownership, and deliver impact together. It’s the ability to lead at all levels that drives success.That’s why we lead alongside our clients, not just for them.

From small projects or strategic implementations to full-scale digital transformations, delivering a Salesforce implementation isn’t about a single leader. Success comes from collaboration, shared ownership, and teams working in sync. The best outcomes happen when leadership is distributed, not dictated – with individuals stepping up when it matters and ensuring shared accountability for success. True leadership is about working together to drive impact.

And that brings us to the next big question: how?

We’ve explored why purpose and direction matter.
We’ve uncovered who steps up and leads.
Now, let’s talk about how to turn leadership into action.

Don’t miss my next article, “Beyond the brief: why true transformation demands more than a statement of work”.

Let’s lead your digital transformation to success, together

If you have a Salesforce project or a digital transformation programme, we at VRP are ready to help you deliver success – not just for your company, but for your customers, your teams, and your entire organisation. We work in true partnership and collaboration, engaging with both technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure the right solutions are delivered, together. No matter the size or scope – whether it’s a QuickStart implementation, a strategic project, or a large-scale transformation – success comes from the right approach, the right expertise, and the right leadership.Let’s make success happen – together. Reach out today, and let’s explore how we can drive real, lasting impact for your organisation, your teams, and your customers.

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About the Author

Mark Crutchfield

Regional Head of Delivery (UKI, US, Benelux), VRP Consulting

Mark is a Delivery leader and Agile specialist at VRP Consulting, where he drives informed leadership, digital transformation and excellence in delivery - bridging technology, strategy, and innovation for high-impact execution and smarter business decisions.