Leadership is More Than a Position
By: Dr. Brandalyn Hayes
At some point in every leader’s journey, there’s a quiet but defining realization: leadership isn’t about the title you hold; it’s about the impact you leave behind.For many leaders, the moment of promotion feels like arrival. You’ve worked hard, proven your capability, possibly even worked through some imposter syndrome and now you have the authority to lead. But what often goes unspoken is this: authority may open the door, but influence is what sustains your leadership.
A position gives you responsibility. Influence gives you reach. When leadership is rooted only in position, it can feel transactional; people respond because they have to. But when leadership is rooted in influence, it becomes transformational; people respond because they trust you, feel seen and supported by you.
Influence shows up in the way you:
● Develop others intentionally
● Model consistency
● Create spaces where people feel safe to grow
● Hold high expectations while providing strong support
It’s not always loud or visible. Often, it’s in the small moments; the feedback you give, the encouragement you offer, the standard you refuse to lower, and the grace you extend when mistakes happen.
I often reflect on my own journey and recognize how much of my leadership is shaped by those who poured into me. I’ve had the privilege of having great mentors like Dr. LeTrecia Gloster, Todd Irving, Dr. Darren Kennedy and Alicia Hervey; leaders who didn’t just supervise me, but truly cared about my development and growth.They challenged my thinking and pushed me beyond what felt comfortable.They held me accountable to a higher standard. They created opportunities for me to lead before I even felt ready. They reminded me of my potential when I couldn’t always see it for myself.
Because of them, I learned that leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about being committed to growth, both for yourself and for others. Their investment in me was intentional, and it left a lasting imprint on how I approach leadership today.
Their influence didn’t stop when I left their direct supervision. It stayed with me. It shaped my decisions and leadership style. That is the kind of leadership that endures. One of the most rewarding parts of leadership is watching those you’ve coached and supported step into their own success. There is something deeply fulfilling about seeing people you’ve worked with; people you’ve mentored, coached, and sometimes even challenged; now flourishing in new roles.
They are leading teams, making impactful decisions, and creating change in spaces that extend far beyond your direct reach. In those moments, you realize something powerful: your leadership was never confined to your title, your team, or your organization. It multiplied through others.I have had the privilege of seeing individuals I once supported grow into confident, capable instructional leaders. Some are now leading in schools and organizations and making decisions that impact hundreds, daily. And while I may not be in the room with them anymore, I know that a piece of what they carry forward was shaped in the time we worked together. That is influence.
With influence comes responsibility. As leaders, we are always modeling something; whether we are intentional about it or not. People are watching how we respond to challenges and treat others. They are watching how we handle pressure, failure, and success. Our actions teach more than our words ever will. This means that leadership requires a level of self-awareness and discipline. It requires us to be reflective and to seek feedback. It also requires humility; understanding that leadership is not about being the most important person in the room, but about ensuring that everyone in the room has the opportunity to grow and contribute.
If you’re stepping into leadership, here’s the advice I wish every new leader would hold close:
1. Don’t chase the title, build your influence. Titles can be given; influence must be earned through consistency and trust.
2. Be the leader you needed. Think about the support, clarity, and encouragement you once desired and give that to others freely.
3.Create leaders, not followers. Your role is not to have people depend on you, but to
empower them to lead on their own.
4. Understand that your impact extends beyond today. The seeds you plant in others
will grow long after they leave your team.
Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about being responsible for the growth, development, and success of others. And when you lead with that mindset, your influence will outlive any position you ever hold.
About Brandalyn:Dr. Brandalyn Hayes is the Director of Teaching and Learning at The Path School, bringing more than 15 years of experience in instructional leadership, equity and inclusion, teacher coaching, student support, and academic strategy. Her background includes founding and leading Paramount Online Academy, serving as an Equity and Inclusion Manager, teaching graduate students at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, and leading student support and instructional systems across Nashville schools. Her work reflects MelanatED Leaders’ commitment to building the capacity of education leaders of color, strengthening school communities, and advancing outcomes for students of color.