Growing as a Leader

Sep 14

Written By Henry Wong

You Don’t Need a Title to Lead

Some of the most influential people in a school don’t have “Manager” or “Director” in their titles.

Yet people listen to them.
Trust them.
Rely on them.

Why?

Because leadership is not a position.
It’s a progression.

And whether you realize it or not, you are already somewhere on that journey.

A Simple Way to See Your Growth: L-LEADER-M

I have been using a simple framework to describe how leadership develops over time. It is captured in the acronym L-LEADER-M — a journey from being a latent leader to becoming a leader master.

Each letter represents a stage where you may move through—sometimes forward, sometimes backward, often overlapping.

L – Lead without Authority
You influence through relationships, not position. You step up and earn trust.

L – Learn through Trial & Error
You try, adjust, and learn. Mistakes become part of your growth.

E – Excel & Innovate in Core Functions
You become dependable and strong in your role—and begin improving how things are done.

A – Articulate a Vision & Strategy
You start thinking beyond your tasks. You connect your work to a bigger picture and clearly articulate that vision to your team.

D – Develop Team Collaboration
You bring people together, resolve tensions, and actively strengthen how teams work.

E – Empower through Delegation
You stop doing everything yourself. You trust others and create space for them to grow.

R – Raise Performance through Coaching
You guide others through feedback and support. You help them improve their work.

M – Mentor Future Leaders
You invest in others more holistically. You think long-term and beyond your own role.

The Reality Most People Miss

These stages are not a ladder.

You don’t “complete” one and move neatly to the next.
You might be mentoring someone while still learning through trial and error yourself.

Leadership is messy.
But growth becomes clearer when you can name where you are.

Practical Ways to Grow This Month

Wherever you are in L-LEADER-M, take one step forward:

1. Lead without authority

Offer help before being asked
Speak up with one idea

2. Learn through trial & error

Try something new—and reflect on what worked
Ask for honest feedback

3. Excel in your role

Improve one process
Anticipate needs before they arise

4. Articulate a vision

Connect your work to a larger goal
Share the “why” behind what you do

5. Develop collaboration

Bring two people together to solve a problem
Listen before reacting

6. Empower others

Delegate one task fully
Let others make decisions

7. Raise performance

Give constructive feedback
Support someone’s improvement

8. Mentor others

Share your experience
Encourage someone newer to step up

Reflection

Where are you right now in L-LEADER-M?

And what’s your next step?

Leadership begins with a choice—to grow, and to help others grow with you.

Henry Wong

Henry brings over 20 years of experience in public and international schools, serving communities ranging from 220 to 1,400 students. His career spans roles including Supply Teacher, Middle School Math Teacher, Admissions and Marketing Manager, Director of Business Administration, and Co-Head of School.

He is the author of Thriving in International Schools: A Guide for Local Administrative Non-Teaching Support Staff and Nomadic Retirement: Live Well, Travel Slowly, Spend Mindfully. He also coordinates professional conferences for non-teaching staff and administrative leaders, creating spaces for peer learning and candid dialogue.

Now semi-retired and based in Thailand, Henry continues to support schools in strengthening customer experience and building a culture of service across the whole community.

http://pdacademia.com/about-henry-wong