The Role of the Leader: A Clear Definition for Challenging Times

Having worked with leaders for many years, one of the clearest and most useful definitions of the role of the leader I’ve come across was shared with me during a purpose session many years ago. It’s a definition I often return to, especially when leadership feels complex or pressured, and it feels worth sharing here.

At its core, the role of the leader can be understood in four simple but powerful responsibilities.

The Role of the Leader

A leader’s role is:

1. To inspire everyone to be the best they can be in pursuit of a collective purpose.
   Modern Leadership starts with clarity of purpose and the ability to help others see how their work contributes to something bigger than themselves.

2. To do the right things.

This speaks to values, integrity, and judgment. Leadership isn’t just about activity or speed; it’s about discernment and making choices that align with long-term principles, not just short-term gains.

1. To make things happen.
   Purpose and values must be paired with action. Leaders are responsible for turning intention into movement and ensuring progress actually occurs.

2. To create other leaders.
   Sustainable leadership is not about control or dependence. It’s about developing confidence, capability, and agency in others so leadership is shared, not concentrated.

Why Leadership Matters More in Difficult Times

In challenging times, these responsibilities can feel harder to live up to. And yet, they are arguably even more necessary. The growing demand for coaching reflects this shift in how leadership is being understood

Leadership is not only defined by what we do, but how we do it. The way decisions are made, conversations are held, and pressure is handled has a significant impact on the people around us. This “how” is often less visible and less discussed, but it shapes trust, morale, and long-term culture.

Rethinking Tough Leadership

When times are tough, the language around leadership often hardens. Conversations focus on the bottom line, managing scarce resources, cutting costs, or letting people go. There can be an unspoken assumption that leaders must be tough—or at least emotionally hardened—to survive difficult conditions.

That is not an assumption I subscribe to.

I believe it is possible to be demanding as a leader while also being caring. In fact, I would argue that these two qualities are not opposites at all. They are mutually supportive.

Being clear, holding high standards, and expecting accountability does not require the absence of care. When people feel respected, supported, and understood, they are often more willing—and more able—to rise to those expectations. This belief is echoed in how modern leadership is increasingly shaped by reflection, support, and coaching.

Caring Leadership

Strong, caring leadership is not about choosing between results and humanity. It is about understanding that how we lead shapes what becomes possible.

In uncertain times especially, leaders who combine purpose, integrity, action, and care create environments where people can still grow, contribute, and lead alongside them. That, ultimately, is what makes leadership enduring rather than merely reactive.

Nicky Gray is a seasoned career coach and leadership development partner who helps individuals, teams and organisations step into change with confidence and purpose.

With over 20 years of experience shaping global leaders, she works closely with her clients to uncover what matters most to them and create a clear path forward that aligns with their goals and values.

Through tailored coaching and purposeful leadership development, Nicky supports people to find clarity, lead with intention and build cultures rooted in meaning and engagement.