There comes a moment in every leadership journey when we pause and ask: What kind of influence am I leaving behind?
Not in the form of numbers, promotions, or milestones, but in the minds and hearts of those who work with us. Especially the ones who are just beginning. The fresh graduates, the young professionals, the first-time team members who arrive full of energy, and uncertainty.
They are watching us. More than our instructions, they observe our tone, how we react to stress, how we treat others, and how we show up when no one is looking. They are not looking for bosses. They are searching for models of what leadership looks and feels like.
It is said that leadership is not taught, it is witnessed. And in many Indian workplaces, this witnessing begins with the first manager a young employee works under. That is where habits are formed, fears take root, and courage is either ignited, or shut down.
So let’s talk about what it means to be a leader, not just in role, but in spirit. To lead in a way that uplifts others, without control or fear. To become the kind of person who is remembered, not for power, but for presence.
Let’s begin, as we often do at Kabir Learning Foundation, with the words of Kabir.
बुरा जो देखन मैं चला, बुरा न मिलिया कोय ।
जो दिल खोजा आपना, मुझसे बुरा न कोय ॥
“I went searching for the bad in others, but found none. When I looked within myself, I realized there was none worse than me.”
Insights
1: Be the Example, Not Just the Voice
For someone new in the workplace, everything is unfamiliar, timelines, etiquette, digital tools, even the language of emails. In such a space, what we model matters more than what we preach.
If we expect punctuality, we must be on time. If we value clarity, we must communicate simply. If we want kindness, we must practice it, even in moments of frustration.
The best leaders don’t talk values. They live them.
And the moment you walk into a room, you are already teaching something, by how you carry yourself.
2: Make Learning Safe
Many young employees are still finding their footing. Mistakes are natural, but so is fear. Especially in environments where perfection is rewarded and failure is punished, even a small error can feel overwhelming.
Instead of saying, “Why did this happen?” try:
“Let’s walk through this together, what can we take from it?”
When we replace blame with reflection, we turn every mistake into a classroom.
Leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about holding space for growth.
3: Share Your Own Story, Flaws and All
There’s a myth in many workplaces, that good leaders are always confident, always composed, always right.
But we know that’s not true. Every leader has faced self-doubt, failure, and tough calls. What makes the difference is whether we are willing to share those moments.
To be a role model is not to seem perfect, it’s to be honest.
When we say, “I once struggled with this too,” we give our team permission to try, to stumble, and to rise again.
And that builds connection more powerful than any performance review.
4: Invite Involvement, Not Just Obedience
One of the most common frustrations we hear is: “Young employees don’t take initiative.” But we must also ask, do they feel heard? Are their ideas welcomed? Do they believe they belong?
Too often, workplaces expect creativity, but reward only obedience.
Try this instead:
- Ask for their perspective during meetings.
- Credit them when their ideas contribute.
- Let them lead small projects with guidance, not micromanagement.
As Kabir reminds us:
जब मैं था तब हरि नहीं, अब हरि हैं मैं नाहिं ।
सब अंधियारा मिट गया, जब दीपक देखा माहिं ॥
Translation:
“When I was full of ego, there was no place for the divine. When I emptied myself, divinity entered, and all darkness disappeared.”
To lead is to make room, for others, for emergence, for shared light.
5: Respect Boundaries, Theirs and Yours
Many of us grew up in work cultures that praised late nights, sacrificed weekends, and confused overwork with dedication.
But Gen Z brings a different language of balance, well-being, and clarity. This is not laziness, it is a deeper understanding that healthy people build healthy teams.
As a leader, protect your time. Respect theirs. Encourage breaks. Say “It’s okay to pause.”
When they see that from you, they learn to work with rhythm, not guilt.
6: Be Curious, Not Controlling
Leadership is not about control, it is about clarity. It is about asking more than telling. It is about staying curious, not just about the work, but about the people doing it.
Ask them:
- What helps you do your best work?
- Where do you feel unsure?
- How can I support your growth?
These questions open doors. And once opened, they build the kind of trust no authority can command.
Let us take a breath.
Not everything we do will be noticed. Not every effort will be thanked. But still, someone is learning from us every day.
Someone is quietly observing how we hold ourselves in meetings. How we handle setbacks. How we respond to disrespect. How we speak to the support staff.
So ask yourself:
- What is one message your behavior sends to the newest member on your team?
- If someone were to model themselves after you, what would they become?
- What is one habit you could shift today to lead with more awareness?
These are not questions to judge. They are invitations to grow.
Because true leadership is not a destination. It is a daily choice, to rise, to serve, and to become.
Kabir said it simply:
जैसा देखूं तैसा बन जाऊं ।
जैसी दृष्टि, वैसी सृष्टि ॥
“I become what I behold. The way I see the world shapes the world I live in.”
When we choose to see our role as a gift, not just a duty, we begin to lead not from ego, but from essence.
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Visit: www.kabirlearning.in
If this reflection spoke to something within you, know that you are not alone. We are walking this path with you, in workplaces, classrooms, and conversations. You are welcome to connect, to explore, and to grow with us.