I sat in my manager’s office with my heart racing, fully expecting the promotion to be mine. I’d hit every metric and my contributions on several projects had drawn praise from colleagues and stakeholders alike. Excellence was constantly on my mind. But my manager didn’t have a promotion letter. He had a challenge.
“You’re an expert.” he told me. “And our customers trust you completely. But when I look at our team internally, you’re a ghost. To be a Senior, you have to be a leader here, within these walls. I need to see you influence the organization, not just your projects.”
I walked out feeling deflated and, if I’m honest, a little confused. I don’t have a team. I don’t have direct reports. I’m not the head of any initiatives. How am I supposed to “lead” when I’m not in charge of anyone?
-Phantom of the Office
The Experts Respond
Purposeship reframes leadership from a title into a shared mission.
From a “purposeship” perspective, leadership is not defined by position but by the shared process of influencing others toward a common purpose. In this scenario, the challenge is not a lack of leadership ability but a need to expand leadership beyond individual performance into relational and organizational influence. Leadership can be practiced in any context by intentionally engaging colleagues, contributing ideas, fostering collaboration, and making one’s work visible in ways that benefit the broader team. Through such actions, leadership becomes a mutual and dynamic process rather than a formal role.
Imposter syndrome often stems from equating leadership with authority or title. However, purposeship reframes leadership as shared responsibility. Confidence develops through faithful action, not perfect readiness. A Christian perspective further affirms that leadership is rooted in humility and service, reminding us that influence does not require status but a willingness to serve others and advance a common good.
A mindset shift is essential for growth. Moving from “I am not in charge” to “I am responsible for contributing to our shared purpose” enables leadership development. This involves prioritizing collective success over individual achievement, practicing intentional presence, and viewing leadership as stewardship of influence rather than control. Such a perspective aligns with purposeship, where leadership and followership are interconnected roles within a shared mission.
Biblical examples reinforce this understanding. Joseph led through integrity and wisdom without authority, David demonstrated courage as a shepherd, Nehemiah initiated change as a servant, and Esther influenced outcomes through courage and discernment. Their lives illustrate that leadership often begins in humble roles and grows through purpose-driven engagement.
Ultimately, leadership is an invitation to actively participate in advancing shared goals through influence, service, and faithful commitment to purpose.
Your current role isn’t a waiting room—it’s God’s training ground for your purpose.
Let’s start first by reframing. Many people say “I’m not a leader” or “I’m not a professional” – neither is actually true.
A professional is someone who is “engaged in a paid occupation as their primary livelihood.” If you’re being paid for work you take seriously, you’re a professional. And leadership isn’t just a title – it’s a responsibility most of us are already carrying with colleagues, mentees, friends, family, even pets.
With that said, this also reminds me that all of us as leaders have to go through development before we can be ready for the vision God has for us. In the Bible, we see many examples: Abraham was called the father of many nations, then waited 25 years for Isaac. Joseph led with integrity from Potiphar’s house as a slave, then from a prison cell. Moses spent decades in the wilderness before standing before Pharaoh. Even Jesus lived almost 30 years in relative obscurity before three years of ministry that changed the world. None of them sat passively for their role to be ready. They allowed God to intentionally use the waiting to prepare them for what He had in store.
Now, imposter syndrome is a real thing. But something I like to remember when thinking about it is that the only person you can never fully see is yourself. The people around you often see your gifts more clearly than you do. So stop asking “Do I deserve this?” and start asking: “Who am I becoming? Am I better today because of how I handled what was in front of me?”
God doesn’t waste seasons. Your current role is never a holding cell, even if it feels like it – it’s a training ground. Excellence in the small things is how God prepares us for what’s next, whether in this life or the life to come.
Bring your best to what’s in front of you. He’ll take care of the rest.
Leave a Response