Are You Leading or Just Holding a Title?

In healthcare IT, I’ve seen the difference between those who truly lead and those who just hold a title. Early in my career, I thought leadership was about position and authority. Having a title automatically meant you were in charge, and that was that. But I quickly learned that’s not how leadership works, especially in environments like healthcare IT, where collaboration, adaptability, and influence are critical.

I remember one project vividly. We were rolling out a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system across multiple locations, and I was working closely with a team of clinical staff and technical developers. The stakes were high: errors could impact patient care, and the pressure on all of us was intense. We had a project director who was supposed to be guiding the team. However, day in and day out, they were nowhere to be found; literally and figuratively. They’d pop in, give general instructions, and disappear, leaving us scrambling to interpret vague directives and make critical decisions without real support. They had the title but not the presence, and without that connection, we struggled.

The Difference Between Titles and Leadership

That experience showed me that a title doesn’t automatically make someone a leader. Leadership requires a willingness to be in the trenches and work knee to knee with your team. You have to actively listen and to take action based on their needs and the project's demands. Real leaders in any field, step up to drive things forward, not because of a title but because they understand the impact their actions or lack thereof.

When I was leading a systems integration project to merge patient data from multiple hospitals, I made it a priority to meet with each team member individually. I wanted to understand their perspectives. It was important to identify potential roadblocks from their viewpoint. I wasn’t there just to oversee. I was there to be proactive and make sure they felt supported. When problems came up, my first question was always, “How can I help?” and I meant it.

Are You Leading or Just Managing?

I’ve noticed that the best leaders have a growth mindset. They’re willing to learn from their teams and stay flexible. As I reflect on these experiences, I realize that true leadership is about being proactive, not reactive. It’s about thinking beyond day-to-day tasks and asking yourself how you can make things easier for your team. Do you know the pain points they face? Do you understand the pressures unique to their roles? Are you addressing these or simply pushing tasks without considering the bigger picture? 

Tips for Those Holding a Title but Not Leading

1. Get to know your team on a personal level. Spend time understanding your team members’ strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Leadership is much more than tasks; it’s about people. 
2. Be available and proactive. Being present doesn’t just mean showing up at meetings. It’s about engaging with your team, asking what they need, and jumping in when challenges arise. If you only show up when things are smooth, you’re not a real leader.
3. Empower rather micromanage and control. Instead of micromanaging or hovering, trust your team to make decisions within their expertise. Empowerment is about giving your team the space to grow and develop, so learn to delegate and not dictate.
4. Seek and act on feedback. Great leaders ask their teams for feedback and actually listen. This will show you value their input and aren’t simply focused on the title.
5. Focus on solving problems, not blame. When things go wrong, don’t look to assign blame. Instead, lead by example and focus on solutions. 

Wrapping Up

Titles can open doors, but they don’t make you a leader. Leadership is about influence, service, and commitment to others' success. Valorie Burton, a noted leadership coach, said it well: “When you take time to reflect, you give yourself the space to make intentional, impactful decisions as a leader.” Taking a step back to reflect on your actions and their impact on your team is a powerful habit for any true leader.

If you’re wondering whether you’re truly leading, take a look at the actions you take each day. Are you present? Are you proactive? Are you creating an environment where your team can thrive? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right track. If not, it’s never too late to start leading.

If you're looking to grow your leadership skills, I invite you to reach out to explore the Maxwell DISC assessment. Understanding your communication and leadership styles can reveal your blind spots and improve your team dynamics.

Interested in more leadership insights? Check out these related articles:

• The MisUsed Project Managers: Stop Undervaluing Their Leadership

• Leadership Mindset: Are you a Double Minded Leader?

• Growing in Leadership: How Self Aware Are You?

Ready to transform your project management approach? Contact us today for a consultation and discover how The Virtual PM can help you succeed, visit The Virtual PM. Explore our digital library for a wealth of resources and tools designed to help you implement and maximize the impact of fractional roles in your organization. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your project outcomes and drive success!