The Fountain Institute is an independent online school that teaches advanced UX & product skills.
Leadership Isn’t a Ladder—It’s a Leap
Leadership Isn’t a Ladder—It’s a LeapBy Hannah Baker Dear Reader, Most people think of leadership as a ladder: start as an individual contributor (IC), climb step by step, and eventually land at the top. My journey was far from that. I never had a traditional design job or a managerial title handed to me. Instead, I jumped straight into founding and leading a business—without a roadmap, a role model, or even a clear sense of what leadership was supposed to look like. It wasn’t always smooth. There were moments I felt utterly out of my depth, wondering if I was cut out for this. But over time, I learned that leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers or projecting perfection. It’s about trusting yourself, listening deeply, and enabling others to grow. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to step into leadership, here’s my take: You probably already are. You don’t need a title to lead. You need curiosity, empathy, and the courage to take the first step. Key Lessons and Action StepsHere are some of the lessons I’ve learned about leadership, paired with actionable questions to help you take your next steps: 1. Trust Your InstinctsWhen I first stepped into leadership, I constantly questioned myself. Did I know enough? Was I making the right decisions? Over time, I realized that trusting my instincts—and being okay with getting it wrong sometimes—was the key to growth. Actionable Question: What’s one decision you’ve been hesitating on? What would it look like if you trusted your instincts and took action? 2. It’s Okay Not to KnowOne of the hardest things about leadership is feeling like you need all the answers. But some of the best moments in my journey came from admitting I didn’t know something and turning to others for their expertise. Actionable Question: What’s one area where you could benefit from someone else’s input? Who could you reach out to this week for guidance? 3. Write It DownEarly on, I learned that decisions can get muddled over time. Writing things down—whether it’s key takeaways from a meeting or the rationale behind a choice—not only keeps everyone aligned but also helps you reflect on your growth as a leader. Actionable Step: Start a leadership journal. Write down one important decision or learning from this week. 4. Lead by ListeningLeadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about listening—to your team, your clients, and even what’s left unsaid. Reflecting back on what you hear builds trust and opens the door to collaboration. Actionable Practice: In your next conversation, try reflecting back what you hear: “What I’m hearing is... Is that correct?” Notice how this changes the dynamic. 5. Be an Enabler, Not a BossFor me, leadership is about enabling others. It’s creating opportunities for people to grow, test new skills, and shine. But I’ve also learned that sometimes people need direction and clear deadlines to thrive. Balance is key. Actionable Reflection: Who in your team or community could benefit from more ownership or encouragement? What’s one way you can empower them this week? Leadership isn’t about waiting until you feel ready or being handed a title. It’s about stepping up, trusting yourself, and learning along the way. It’s about enabling others and knowing that mistakes are part of the process. If I can do it, so can you. Take one of the questions above and act on it this week. Leadership doesn’t start with a title—it begins with a mindset shift. Let me know which insight resonates most with you or how you’re taking steps toward leadership. I’d love to hear your story! The Core Team's first Guild of Working Designers event is happening later this month! It’s called Venting Session #1: New Year’s Resolutions, and it’s all about coming together to share, reflect, and set meaningful goals—or maybe just vent a little about the pressure of resolutions. It’s happening on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 19:00 CET You can subscribe and secure your spot now: RSVP here This is a great chance to kick off the year with some shared reflection and connection with fellow designers
Until next time!
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The Fountain Institute
The Fountain Institute is an independent online school that teaches advanced UX & product skills.
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