7 Quiet Signals of a Great Leader in the Making
Every now and then, someone walks into one of our leadership programs and I can just tell they’ll make a great leader. But what are the early signs?
Over the years, I've worked with countless leaders, teaching them the essential, human skills required for leadership fitness. In this time, I’ve developed a bit of a sixth sense for leadership potential. I can usually tell, within the first session, who’s going to make a great leader.
Here’s the thing…
It’s rarely the loudest voice in the room.
Or the one with the most senior title.
It’s the one who shows up curious, humble, and willing to do the work.
There’s a particular energy about these kind of people. They're not polished or perfect, but open. Here are the seven quiet signals I’ve come to recognise that tell me someone’s on their way to becoming a great leader.
1. They’re a dedicated learner.
They show up curious, not cocky. They’re more interested in what they don’t know than proving what they do. They approach leadership as a fitness. Something that needs to be built, and then maintained with continuous reflection and learning. With this mindset, set themselves up for growth that stands out.
2. They see leadership as a responsibility, not a status.
The best leaders don’t crave power. Instead feel they feel the weight of responsibility. They know that leadership isn’t about privilege, but stewardship. Their focus is on serving their people, not being served by them.
3. They experience imposter thoughts (and understand what they really mean).
Yes, you read that correctly. Imposter thoughts are most often a sign of growth, not weakness. They show up when people are stretching, learning, and daring to operate outside their comfort zone. The great ones learn to carry these thoughts lightly, using them to stay humble, flexible, grounded, and relatable.
4. They seek feedback (and treat it like gold).
I watch closely when we do feedback exercises. When hearing hard truths, some leaders tense up, justify, or deflect. The ones who will thrive? They lean in. They ask for more. They treat feedback as a precious resource, the gift of a mirror they’re brave enough to look into.
5. They put their own oxygen mask on first.
They understand that leadership starts from the inside out. They invest in their mental fitness, build self-awareness, and take care of their wellbeing. Not because it’s indulgent, but because it’s essential. They know they can’t pour from an empty cup, and they do the inner work that keeps them steady under pressure.
6. They care deeply and challenge directly.
This is one of my favourites. High-potential leaders have learned that kindness and candour aren’t opposites but a powerful pairing. They’re kind enough to care, and brave enough to be honest. That balance is where trust and growth flourish
7. They lift others as they climb.
The strongest leaders don’t hoard knowledge or spotlight. They make the people around them smarter, stronger, and more confident. Their success feels more meaningful when it’s shared.
The truth is, great leaders aren’t born, they’re built. Through curiosity, reflection, and practice. Through small moments of self-awareness that compound over time. Through the willingness to keep showing up and doing the work.
So, if you recognise some of these signs in yourself, you’re already on your way. And, more importantly, if you recognise them in someone on your team, fight like crazy to lift them up.