Leadership with a Small ‘l’ – Building a Culture of Achievement, Support & Challenge

Leadership is often associated with formal titles and positions of authority. However, at Tribus People, we believe in a broader and more inclusive definition of leadership – one that is accessible to everyone within an organisation.

Leadership with a small ‘l’ is not about hierarchy; it is about fostering a mindset and developing skills and competencies that drive personal, team, and organisational success.

The Dual Nature of Leadership

Traditional leadership models focus on designated leaders who are responsible for strategic decision-making and guiding teams. While these roles are essential, leadership is more than just seniority and a job title. It encompasses behaviours, skills and mindsets such as effective communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and being able to inspire and motivate others.

Building a Leadership-Driven Organisation

Through our services and supported by the unique Tribus People Performance Framework, we take an integrated approach, working with you to embed leadership at every level of your organisation. We focus on three core areas: recruiting the right people, developing potential, and aligning your teams around a shared vision for the future.  This means less friction, better results, and a workplace where people thrive.

Recruit: Finding and Developing the Right Talent

Hiring the right people isn’t just about finding candidates with the right qualification – it’s about finding individuals who align with the skills you need, your culture, values, and ambitions. You need people who don’t just fit in but elevate your organisation. Our recruitment process goes beyond traditional hiring methods, assessing candidates on their leadership potential and their ability to contribute meaningfully to your business. The result? Teams that are engaged, high-performing, and built for long-term success.

Develop: Cultivating Leadership at All Levels

Great leadership isn’t just about the few at the top; it’s about equipping individuals at every level with the skills and confidence to step up and make an impact. People learn to lead through experience, challenge, and support, not just by attending a one-off training session. Our approach to development is deeply personal, designed to evolve the mindset, tools, and environment they need to grow. Whether through coaching, mentoring, workshops or real-world challenges, we enable people to develop their leadership identity, fostering a culture where taking ownership, thinking critically, and driving meaningful change become second nature. This isn’t about creating more managers; it’s about empowering people to contribute, innovate, and thrive in any role.

Align: Creating Cohesive, High-Performing Teams

A truly aligned team is one where purpose, culture, and strategy work together seamlessly. When people understand not only what they’re working towards but also why it matters and how they fit into the bigger picture, they become more engaged, proactive, and invested in success.

We help teams clarify their shared purpose, build trust, and create a collaborative environment where differences are valued, and diverse perspectives drive innovation. Alignment isn’t just about getting everyone on the same page; it’s about creating a space where individuals feel confident to challenge, contribute, and commit to collective goals. The result is a team that operates with clarity, agility, and a shared sense of ownership over their success.

The Impact of Leadership with a Small ‘l’

When leadership is cultivated at all levels, organisations benefit in several ways:

• Enhanced Performance – Employees with leadership skills navigate challenges effectively and drive measurable results.
• Higher Engagement and Retention – A leadership-focused culture improves job satisfaction and reduces turnover.
• Stronger Innovation and Problem-Solving – Employees who feel empowered to lead contribute fresh ideas and solutions.
• Improved Organisational Culture – A workplace that values leadership fosters trust, safety, inclusivity, and long-term success.

Conclusion

Leadership with a small ‘l’ is about more than just formal positions of power – it is a mindset, and a set of skills that can be developed at every level. By embedding leadership attributes across your workforce, you create an organisation that is more resilient, innovative, and successful.

References

• Schaufeli, W. B. (2019). Engaging Leadership and Its Implication for Work Engagement and Job Outcomes at the Individual and Team Level: A Multi-Level Longitudinal Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(14).
• Center for Creative Leadership. (2024). The Core Leadership Skills You Need in Every Role. ccl.org