In a recent LinkedIn post, Shulin Lee challenges the conventional notion of waiting for formal recognition before stepping into leadership roles. Lee argues that true leadership is not bestowed by titles or positions, but rather demonstrated through proactive action and a willingness to take initiative, even without explicit permission.
The post, which has resonated widely within professional networks, emphasizes a critical distinction: titles are given, but leadership is chosen. Lee draws upon over 15 years of recruiting experience to highlight a pattern observed repeatedly: individuals who wait for approval often remain stagnant, while those who act with leadership qualities from the outset tend to advance and influence their environments.
“Titles are given. Leadership is chosen.”
The Perils of Waiting for Permission
Shulin Lee contends that a significant barrier to professional growth for many talented individuals is the passive expectation of being “chosen” for leadership. This mindset, Lee explains, leads to missed opportunities and a prolonged state of waiting for external validation.
“The professionals who wait for approval? Still waiting. The ones who act like leaders before anyone gave them the badge? Running the show,” Lee writes, illustrating the stark contrast between passive and proactive approaches.
Defining True Leadership
According to Shulin Lee, the path to senior positions is rarely paved with granted titles. Instead, it is forged by individuals who embody leadership characteristics long before they are formally recognized. This involves a willingness to speak up in challenging situations, address problems proactively, and take ownership of mistakes without prompting.
“They spoke up when it was uncomfortable. They fixed problems nobody asked them to fix. They owned mistakes before anyone called them out.”
Lee elaborates that leadership is fundamentally about making a decision to act, rather than a consequence of holding a specific title, office, or even a prominent online profile. This perspective shifts the focus from external markers of success to internal drive and action.
Shulin Lee’s Personal Transformation
The post reveals a personal journey of overcoming the “waiting game.” Shulin Lee admits to having previously waited for readiness, permission, or sufficient experience, only to find that opportunities passed by.
“I used to wait too. Waited until I felt ready. Waited until someone gave me permission. Waited until I had ‘enough’ experience. And you know what happened? Nothing.”
This realization prompted a deliberate change: to stop waiting and start acting. Lee began speaking up in potentially intimidating settings, making decisions without absolute certainty of authorization, and consciously adopting the mindset of the leader they aspired to become. This shift, Lee notes, was transformative.
The Courage to Lead
Shulin Lee posits that effective leadership hinges not on being the most knowledgeable person in a room, but on the willingness to be the first to act. This involves the courage to voice unpopular opinions, accept responsibility in difficult circumstances, and offer support to others without expecting personal gain.
“Because leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the one willing to go first.”
This willingness to lead without a formal mandate, according to Lee, is what truly distinguishes leaders. It transcends credentials, seniority, or external permission, centering instead on a fundamental quality: courage.
A Call to Action
Concluding the post, Shulin Lee issues a direct call to action, urging readers to abandon the passive pursuit of titles and the “right moment.” Lee asserts that the opportune moment for leadership is not a future event to be awaited, but a present reality that must be actively created.
“You have to create it yourself. Start today. Start small. Start where you are. That’s how leaders are born. That’s how legacies are made,” Lee concludes, encouraging immediate, albeit potentially small-scale, leadership actions.
The insights shared by Shulin Lee offer a compelling perspective for professionals at all career stages, emphasizing that the path to influence and impact is paved with proactive engagement and the courage to lead, regardless of formal title.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Shulin Lee on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →