The Power of Piglet: Why True Leadership Sometimes Means Stepping Out of the Spotlight
The Power of Leading from Beside, Not Above
“If you were a cartoon character, who would you be?”
It was meant to be a playful icebreaker—one of those energizing prompts offered to a room full of department leaders. The responses came quickly and confidently: heroic, bold, larger-than-life.
Around the table—especially among the women leaders—I heard names like Ursula (The Little Mermaid), Storm (X-Men), Mulan (Mulan), Daria Morgendorffer (Daria), Megara (Hercules), Princess Azula (Avatar), and Kim Possible (Kim Possible). An impressive lineup of icons defined by power, ambition, and unapologetic drive.
Each woman chose a character who embodied strength and self-determination. And it made sense. These leaders are disciplined, focused, and relentlessly committed to excellence. Who wouldn’t be proud to identify with characters who command attention and lead from the front?
Then it was my turn.
“My character is… Piglet, from Winnie the Pooh.”
I paused, briefly wondering whether I should trade Piglet for someone more “noble” or traditionally powerful. But authenticity won. Piglet was my answer—the quiet, gentle friend who stands beside Pooh. Not in front. Not overshadowing. Simply present.
I felt compelled to explain.
“In a world where ambition is visible and rewarded,” I said, “everyone needs someone who believes in them—someone cheering quietly in the background.”
What I didn’t say out loud mattered just as much: sometimes leadership means choosing not to take up space, even when you have every qualification and every right to do so. It means allowing someone else the room to step forward, trusting that your support remains essential—even when it’s unseen.
In that moment, I recognized something fundamental about my own leadership identity. I have always gravitated toward what I now call The Power of Piglet—a leadership style rooted in humility, courage, and the intentional elevation of others.
This kind of leadership is subtle. Often overlooked. Frequently undervalued.
It doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t dominate the room or compete for attention. Instead, it quietly shapes the environment so others can grow, take risks, and flourish. Its influence strengthens outcomes without demanding credit.
Quiet leaders notice what others miss—shifts in morale, early signs of burnout, moments of doubt, emerging potential. They step in not to take over, but to stabilize. They lend confidence without stealing momentum.
This leadership requires a particular kind of strength: the willingness to delay personal recognition in service of collective success. Not indefinitely. Not to the point of invisibility. But intentionally and strategically—because advancing others advances the mission.
Quiet leaders are scaffolding. We are the steady hand during uncertainty. The voice of belief before someone believes in themselves.
And often, we become leadership multipliers.
Our impact isn’t measured by how brightly we shine—but by how many others shine because of us.
In a world obsessed with boldness, we forget that leadership also thrives in gentleness, restraint, and shared success. Piglet may not command the narrative, but he strengthens it. He creates the conditions for others to be great. He leads from beside, not above.
And perhaps that’s the real lesson:
Leadership isn’t always about being the hero of the story. Sometimes it’s about ensuring others have the chance to become one.
So to the women who lead quietly—but powerfully—consider this your reminder:
Your influence doesn’t need volume to be felt. Leadership is not only defined by commanding a room; it is equally defined by the steady, strategic presence that anchors an organization.
Your calm matters.
Your clarity matters.
Your ability to elevate others is not a limitation—it is mastery.
Even when your work happens behind the scenes, the ripple effect is undeniable.
Teams perform differently because of you.
Cultures stabilize because of you.
Decisions mature because of your perspective and restraint.
Not every executive leads with a loud voice.
Some of us lead with intention, insight, and the confidence to let others shine.
And that kind of leadership is not just impactful—
It’s indispensable.
