Relatable Leadership: Why Great Leaders Don’t Need a Pedestal (Just a Good Pair of Sneakers)

Photo Credit: Newsweek.com

By William Ballard

Let’s be honest—most of us have had a boss who seemed to think leadership was about barking orders from the comfort of a corner office, only to mysteriously vanish when things got tough. (If you’re nodding you're head right now, you’re not alone!)

​But what if I told you that the best leaders aren’t the ones on pedestals, but the ones in the trenches—often with dirt on their shoes and coffee stains on their shirts?

Welcome to the world of relatable leadership!

Relatable leadership isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the heart and soul of building real teams, sparking innovation, and making Mondays feel a little less… Monday-ish.

Maxwell Leadership Team's CEO Mark Cole says, “The most effective leaders are those who make themselves approachable, who let people see their humanity.” Now, that’s a leadership style we can all aspire to (and maybe even laugh with).

Ready to learn how to be the kind of leader people don’t just follow, but actually like? Grab your sneakers and let’s run through the 10 key ingredients of relatable leadership!
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1) Ditch the Pedestal—Wear Sneakers Instead

​Here’s a fun fact: No one wants to work for a statue. Sure, statues look nice in parks, but they have terrible communication skills. The best leaders swap their pedestals for sneakers and get moving with their team.

Mark Cole says, “People don’t want a leader who is always ahead and never among them.” When leaders walk alongside their people—literally and figuratively—they build trust, spark conversations, and sometimes even hear a good office joke. (Bonus points if you can laugh at yourself!)

So, if you’re still polishing your pedestal, maybe it’s time to trade it for comfortable shoes. Trust me—your team will notice (and your feet will thank you).

2) Embrace Your Inner Human (Mistakes and All)

Ever met someone who pretends they never make mistakes?

Spoiler alert: No one believes them.

Relatable leaders aren’t afraid to say, “Oops, that one’s on me!” In fact, they wear their mistakes like merit badges. You see, when leaders admit their failures, they show their team that it’s okay to try, fail, and try again. 

​This vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the ultimate power move. It says, “We’re in this together, and it’s okay not to be perfect.” In other words, authenticity is better than perfection. 

So, let your team see the real you—typos, bad hair days, and all. (And remember, every great leader has accidentally sent a “reply all” email at least once.)

Recommended Reading - Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn (AFF)

3) Listen Like You Mean It (And Maybe Take Notes)

Have you ever tried talking to someone who’s clearly thinking about lunch? Annoying, right?

Relatable leaders listen—really listen. They put away the phone, close their laptop, and give you the “I care about what you’re saying” face.

Look, when you listen to your team, you learn what motivates them—and what keeps them up at night. Listening isn’t just polite; it’s smart. It’s the secret to understanding your team’s needs, concerns, and unspoken dreams.

So, next time you’re in a meeting, try this: Actively listen. Nod, smile, take notes, and ask questions. Your team will notice—and you might even learn something new (like who keeps stealing your lunch from the fridge).
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4) Share the Spotlight (It’s Not Just for Broadway)

Relatable leaders know when to step back and let others shine. In other words, great leaders know how to share the credit, not just the blame. When your team scores a win, celebrate their success—loudly and often.

This isn’t just about being nice (though that helps). It’s about building their confidence and showing your team you notice their hard work. Plus, nothing builds loyalty faster than a leader who says, “That was all you!”

So, next time someone knocks it out of the park, hand them the mic (or the last doughnut in the box). It’s your turn to play supporting actor—and your team’s time to shine.
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5) Laugh a Little (No, Really—It’s Good for Business)

​Work doesn’t have to be all spreadsheets and deadlines. Relatable leaders know how to lighten the mood. A well-timed joke (or a dramatic reading of the latest company memo) can make work feel like, well, less work.

You see, humor is a great equalizer. It breaks down barriers and reminds us we’re all human. The best leaders laugh with their teams, not at them. Bonus points if you can laugh at yourself—nothing says “I’m relatable” like admitting you spilled coffee on your shirt again.

So, share a funny story, encourage a little office banter, and don’t be afraid to let loose (responsibly, of course—HR is watching).
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6) Be Consistent—Your Team Likes
Predictable, Not Perfect

Let’s face it: No one likes a flip-flopper (unless we’re talking about summer footwear).

Relatable leaders are consistent. That doesn’t mean they never change their minds, but it does mean their team knows what to expect from them.

In other words, consistency breeds trust. If your team knows how you’ll react, they’ll be more likely to trust you with the truth. You don’t have to be perfect—just reliable. And reliability makes you relatable. 

So, set clear expectations, follow through on your promises, and show up the same way on Monday as you do on Friday. Your team will appreciate knowing which version of you is coming to the meeting.
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7) Ask Questions—Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Leader

Some leaders act like they have all the answers. Relatable leaders know the magic happens when you ask questions, not just give orders. You see, leaders who ask questions show they’re open to learning and value others’ input.

Whether it’s “How can we improve this process?” or “What do you need to succeed?”, asking questions empowers your team and sparks creativity. It also helps you avoid the dreaded “I thought you knew!” moments.

So, don’t be afraid to ask. You might discover your quietest team member has the best idea in the room. (And hey, you’ll look smart for listening.)

​Recommended Reading - Good Leaders Ask Great Questions (AFF)
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8) Admit When You Don’t Know (It’s Not a Trap)

Here’s a secret: Your team already knows you don’t have all the answers.

​Relatable leaders aren’t afraid to say, “I’m not sure, but let’s figure it out together.” It’s honest, refreshing, and—let’s be real—way less stressful than pretending you’re Google.

Look, leaders who admit what they don’t know invite their team to be problem-solvers. This builds a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.

So, next time you’re stumped, try honesty. You’ll be surprised how quickly your team rallies to find solutions. (And you’ll finally be off the hook for not knowing the copier code.)
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9) Paint the Big Picture (With Broad, Colorful Strokes)

Relatable leaders are visionaries, but they make the vision relatable too. Instead of spouting jargon and pie charts, they tell stories, share dreams, and connect the dots between daily work and the bigger mission.

Look, people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. As the leader, it’s your job to show them the why behind the what. Paint a picture your team can see themselves in—complete with their own brushstrokes.

So, remind your team why their work matters. Share stories, celebrate progress, and invite them to help shape the future. You’ll turn employees into passionate ambassadors (and meetings into less of a snooze-fest).
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10) Stay Accessible—Your Door (and Mind) Should Be Open

Finally, relatable leaders make themselves available. This doesn’t mean answering emails at midnight (please, don’t). It means being present—physically, emotionally, and mentally—for your team.

In other words, approachable leaders build trust because people know they can come to them with anything. Keep your door open, your calendar flexible, and your heart ready for real conversations.

So, swap the “Do Not Disturb” sign for “Come In, Let’s Chat.” You’ll build stronger relationships, solve problems faster, and maybe even hear the office gossip first. (Hey, it’s all part of being relatable.)
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Final Thoughts: Start Leading Like a Human (Not a Robot)

Relatable leadership isn’t about being everyone’s best friend or having the perfect answer. It’s about showing up as your authentic self, listening, laughing, and leading with heart. Look, the best leaders make themselves relatable—because that’s how you inspire people to follow you, not just because you have a title.

So, dust off those sneakers, embrace your quirks, and lead like you mean it. Your team—and your organization—will be all the better for it.

Now, go out there and be the kind of leader people actually want to follow. And if you spill coffee on yourself along the way? Welcome to the club!

If you liked this article, share your key take aways in the comments below. Also, don't miss another article, subscribe to the Business & Entrepreneurship newsletter today! ​
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William Ballard is the founder and CEO of William Ballard & Associates, LLC. He is a serial entrepreneur and has built a successful career leading and growing organizations based, in large part, on his ability to ask great questions, speak with candor, and identify talented people with whom to collaborate.

​It’s from this foundation that William helps aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and ministry leaders navigate organizational, industry, and societal changes to move their organizations closer towards their vision.