In Part 1 of The Power of Stepping Up or Stepping Back, we explored how great leaders discern the right moment to step into the spotlight, and when they should step aside so others can shine. Now we shift focus to how you prepare for those unexpected knock-at-the-door moments, how you show up with purpose when opportunity arrives, and how you leverage the lessons afterward so that they provide sustained fuel for day-to-day leadership.
Before the Call to Action: Preparation Is Everything
Great moments grow out of daily routines. Here are the foundational elements:
- Master the Fundamentals
Continuously refine your core skills centered around technical know-how, strategic evaluation and decision-making, and clear communication. Stay current on industry developments and your role expectations. Build habits and systems that make excellence second nature so that when a critical moment arrives, you rely on muscle memory rather than last-minute scrambling. - Anticipate Opportunity
Think ahead about scenarios in which your contribution could matter most. Visualize responding to a surprise board member question or stepping in for an absent team lead. Mentally rehearsing these situations reduces uncertainty and boosts your confidence when the real challenge appears. - Build Trusted Relationships
Earn trust through reliability and consistency. Deliver on small commitments, maintain visibility with key stakeholders, and show genuine support for colleagues. When people know they can count on you, they will be more likely to entrust you with high-stakes moments. - Strengthen Your Inner Game
Emotional intelligence is as important as technical skill. Develop self-awareness around how you respond to stress, feedback, or uncertainty. Simple self-care practices, like mindfulness exercises, journaling, and consistent sleep schedules, will keep you centered. The more grounded you are, the better equipped you will be to handle pressure.
In The Moment: Showing Up with Presence and Purpose
When it is time to step up, your preparation should be evident. Follow these guidelines to maintain composure and deliver impact:
- Slow Down to Speed Up
Take a moment to breathe and gather yourself before you start. This brief pause regulates your nervous system, allowing you to respond with clarity rather than react out of stress. - Stay Anchored in Purpose
Keep your “why” front and center. Whether it is the company’s mission, the team’s objectives, or your own values. Purpose guides your decisions and keeps your delivery authentic. - Communicate with Clarity and Confidence
Speak simply and directly. Use vivid examples to illustrate key points and observe how your audience reacts. Adjust your tone or pace as needed. When you aim to connect rather than impress, your message lands more effectively. - Manage the Unexpected with Grace
If something goes off script, acknowledge it honestly and pivot with composure. Asking clarifying questions or offering to follow up can turn a momentary glitch into an opportunity for connection. - Focus on Impact, Not Approval
Keep your attention on delivering value rather than seeking applause. When your objective is to solve a problem or move the team forward, approval follows naturally.
Years ago, I was leading a strategy session for a client undergoing a major talent acquisition transformation. As I prepared to lead the meeting, one other consultant I was working with pulled me aside and said, “I’ve been working closely with their general managers, and I think they need to hear from someone who understands their day-to-day frustrations.”
I paused, recalibrated, and handed her the opening section of the session. She delivered, reframing the entire conversation and unlocking a level of candor I doubt I could have accessed as the more senior voice in the room.
That moment accelerated her credibility and strengthened the trust between the client and me. Stepping back here wasn’t just the right call; it was a transformative one.
Afterward: Reflect and Learn
Once the moment has passed, lay the groundwork for future success:
- Seek Feedback / Give Feedback
Ask for candid input from trusted colleagues. Feedback serves as constructive data for growth, not judgment. When it’s someone else’s turn to shine, ask them about their performance and offer feedback to enhance their skills and engagement. You still have a role to play in managing the team and creating a supportive environment even when you’re not taking the lead. - Reflect and Refine
Take time to capture your insights following your time in the spotlight. Identify strengths and areas where focus may have wavered. Consider what adjustments you would make for next time. Similarly, when delegating the spotlight to others, encourage them to think on their experience and identify areas for improvement. Documenting these observations preserves valuable lessons while they are still fresh for both you and your team members. - Follow Through
If you’ve made commitments or ignited new initiatives, act promptly. Deliver on your promises within days, demonstrating reliability. Consistently fulfilling post-moment responsibilities solidifies trust and credibility for you and your team member.
The Continuous Loop of Leadership
Preparation, presence, and reflection form a continuous loop: each feeds the next, sharpening your instincts and expanding the capacity of your team. By mastering the fundamentals, showing up with purpose, and learning from every high-stakes moment – whether you lead or support – you transform isolated opportunities into lasting growth.
This blog is the second part of a duet. Read part one here to learn how to identify when it’s your moment, or someone else’s time to shine.
