Rudiments of Leadership: Authority, Access and Appearance

Leadership is not just about holding a title or managing a team — it’s about driving real, lasting change and creating meaningful impact within your organisation or community. While many people find themselves in leadership positions by virtue of experience or promotion, true leadership requires more than simply directing others; it demands the ability to inspire, influence, and cultivate growth in those around you. Effective leaders know that success comes from continuous improvement, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time, aspiring to take on more responsibility, or looking to refine the skills you’ve already developed, understanding the core elements of leadership is crucial to making a lasting impact. Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour, but there are key principles that transcend industries and situations. Mastering these principles helps shape not only how others perceive you as a leader but also how effectively you can guide your team toward shared goals.

In this article, I will explore three essential principles that I have learned in my experience as a leader which I believe are critical to your success as an impactful leader: Authority, Access, and Appearance. I strongly believe that these pillars provide a clear…