Conscious unbossing: How to lead beyond the ladder

If you’re feeling stuck at work, this could be the shift you need to keep moving forward.

By Cherie Mylordis

If you’re feeling stuck at work, this could be the shift you need to keep moving forward.

By Cherie Mylordis

Previous article Why this executive wants us to reframe ambition

You’re ambitious, capable and driven to make a difference. So why does work feel so… depleting?

Maybe it’s because the system was designed for a different era. An era when command-and-control leadership reigned and career progression followed a linear path. This is a model that wasn’t built with women in mind.

Dare

Define what your values are and where you find purpose at work. What energises you? What speaks to your skills? Once you know this, look for ways to bring this ‘dare’ into your role – could you, for example, ask to be included on more meaningful projects, or volunteer for tasks that harness your strengths?

Ditch

Identify items on your to-do list that you could cut out or minimise. Perhaps your calendar is cluttered by time-sucking meetings or, maybe, inefficient systems are draining your attention and energy. Creating a ‘ditch list’ is a powerful way to free up space for more strategic thinking and high-impact work.

Dial

After making that space, dial up the work that matters. Think creatively about your next move – it could be a sideways step, or a short break from business as usual to dive deep into a project. Conscious unbossing means choosing meaningful work, trusting your internal sense of direction rather than simply ticking boxes for a promotion.

My last piece of advice is to find your people. Whether it’s an accountability buddy, a coaching group or a peer cohort, the most effective change happens in collaboration, not isolation.

Conscious unbossing is a call for us to reclaim our agency and do our best work, without feeling like growth and success only head in one direction. Because leadership isn’t just for people with titles. It’s for those who dare to show up differently.

Cherie Mylordis is a work futurist, leadership consultant and the founder of nextgenify Academy, an affordable, collaborative online platform where emerging and experienced leaders learn how to lead forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.

Work In Progress is an FW series in which people we admire turn their specialist knowledge and leadership wisdom into practical, accessible advice that you can tap into.