A Sure Way to Up Your Leadership Prowess

by Monette Anderson, CAE

Leadership isn’t always a straightforward path. It certainly wasn’t for me. 

Early in my career, I thought being a leader meant nothing but flawless execution, airtight processes, and an endless list of completed to-dos. That wasn’t my style, and for a long time, I questioned whether leadership was even in the cards for me. Spoiler alert: my strengths aren’t in executing. 

Several years ago, Angela Oakley, Clark Nuber’s Director of Talent Advisory and Strengths Coach (fun fact—she’s leading a panel at our Emerging Leader Workshop), introduced our WSCPA team to CliftonStrengths. That experience completely reframed how I saw leadership. 

I’ve accepted that I’m not the checklist type (ironic, since I spend most of my time surrounded by people who love them). I lead by connecting ideas and people, and helping others see what’s possible. My Maximizer, Ideation, Strategic, and Communication strengths let me connect ideas, clarify direction, and translate vision into shared action. I’m not driven by finishing the list; I’m driven by making sure the list reflects what truly moves us forward. 

Once I stopped trying to lead like someone else and started leaning into how I naturally think and influence, my leadership journey took off. Some people lead by getting things done, others by connecting people, sparking ideas, or setting direction. We all lead differently, and that’s the point. When you know which lane is yours, leadership stops feeling like pressure and starts feeling like impact. 

Why Don’t More People Step Into Leadership? 

If you’re hesitating, you’re not alone. Many talented professionals wonder if leadership is really meant for them. Maybe you don’t have a title. Maybe you don’t lead a team. And honestly, you may not even be sure you want that yet. 

But here’s the thing: leadership isn’t about the title. It’s about how you show up. It’s how you handle challenges, navigate change, and influence outcomes; even when you’re not the one in charge. 

Many professionals hold back because of fear: 

• Fear of burnout. Will leadership mean losing work-life balance? 
• Fear of discomfort. What if I’m not great at conflict or giving feedback? 
• Fear of failure. What if I try and it doesn’t work out? 

Those fears are real and signal that you’re standing on the edge of growth. Every great leader has felt that same hesitation, and they raised their hand anyway. 

The Emerging Leader Conference is your opportunity to do the same. It’s designed for professionals who want to grow their confidence, strengthen their influence, and build the skills to lead from wherever they are today. 

Because leadership doesn’t start when someone gives you permission. It starts the moment you decide to take ownership of your impact.  

What You’ll Walk Away With 

If you’re ready to step into leadership—whether you're leading a team now or preparing to—our Emerging Leaders Workshop will help you: 

• Discover your leadership strengths: Whether you’re new to CliftonStrengths or revisiting it, we’ll spend 8 hours diving deep into your unique talents and learning how to apply them with confidence. 
• Build a leadership brand: Leverage what makes you unique and develop your authentic leadership style. 
• Master tough conversations: Gain practical tools to manage feedback and conflict with clarity and empathy. 
• Prevent burnout: Tailoring your self-care strategies with a strengths-first approach. Use your unique talents to build resilience, reduce stress, and create sustainable energy. 

Great leadership isn’t about doing it all, having a specific title, or feeling confident in every decision. It’s about how you show up. Whether you’re managing a team or leading by example through your expertise, influence or ideas, leadership is about knowing your strengths, leaning into them, and having the courage to raise your hand. Join us at the Emerging Leaders Workshop and take the next step in your leadership journey.