Over the past 20+ years working in people operations, I’ve reviewed and participated in countless employee surveys. One consistent trend always stands out: around 75% of respondents say that “the people”—their coworkers—are their favorite part of the job.

This tells me something powerful. Even if you’re not in a leadership position, you’re not powerless. You have influence. You can shape your workplace culture for the better.

Continue Reading Here

Of course, leadership and ownership have a responsibility to create a safe, inclusive culture. They are expected to follow labor laws and implement HR best practices. But let’s be honest—nothing prevents a leader from making poor decisions, operating from an ethnocentric mindset, or failing to grow their cultural competency. Some leaders mean well but simply lack the emotional capacity to lead with consistency and care.

So where does that leave you?

It leaves you with power. You may not manage a team, but you can manage yourself—and how you show up for others.

Here are some ways you can lead from where you are:

• Build your cultural competence by intentionally learning from people who are different from you.
• Act with integrity and humility, even when it’s hard.
• Offer solutions without expecting credit—especially when you have the capacity to help.
• Be kind. Kindness is often underestimated but always remembered.
• Take initiative to create the environment you want to be part of.

John C. Maxwell’s book The 360° Leader is a great resource for learning how to lead from anywhere in an organization. Many of the principles he outlines have directly supported my success in operations over the years.

Here are five key principles from the book:

1. Lead yourself exceptionally well – Discipline, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness are essential to gaining influence.
2. Lighten your leader’s load – Supporting your boss makes you more valuable and builds trust.
3. Be a go-to player – Consistently deliver results and step up when others won’t.
4. Don’t be afraid to challenge up – You can respectfully and thoughtfully push back when needed to help the organization grow.
5. Become a connector, not just a climber – Relationships matter. Focus on people, not position.

Ideally, you’ll work in a truly inclusive organization. But if you don’t, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. At People and Belonging, we believe in being the difference-makers, wherever we are.