This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Marta Lešovská, Czech Republic on 30th March 2026.

The most impactful leadership is not always planned. It grows quietly through care, consistency, and the way we show up for others.

In this edition of Leadership in Action, Marta from the Czech Republic shares a deeply human perspective on leadership shaped by connection, trust, and everyday actions.

Her story reminds us that leadership is not always about driving outcomes. Sometimes, it is about creating an environment where people feel inspired to contribute, grow, and care.

A People-Centered Perspective

I am an Executive Assistant at Hilton Prague Atrium, based in Prague, Czech Republic. Working in hospitality is all about teamwork with people, colleagues, and for people, our guests.

Both the nature of this industry and the core of the work, people, are the main reasons why every day feels dynamic, colorful, and genuinely enjoyable.

Leadership in a Changing World

Even in today’s world of AI and constant change, leadership is still primarily about people, just as it has always been.

Personality, character, empathy, and integrity matter in every environment: in organizations, in politics, in families, and in everyday life, wherever someone influences others, consciously or unconsciously.

Technology can support us, but it cannot replace human values and human experience. That is why, in my view, leadership today means protecting and strengthening these qualities.

Influence Through Everyday Actions

I am convinced that leadership is about action, not a position. Every day, we share our experience and skills with others, often simply by living according to what we believe in and who we are.

For me, this is the most powerful way of influencing others, often without saying a word.

If someone seeks support or guidance, or seems unsure in a situation, I focus on sharing experiences, offering perspectives, or asking questions that encourage reflection. My goal is to open discussions and provide additional points of view, while leaving the final decision with the person responsible.

No one else should take over that responsibility, and respecting it is part of true leadership.

Leading by Example

My understanding of leadership, leading by example, was particularly clear when building up the team of volunteers at our company.

I believe it was my passion for the project and the trust I had in it that encouraged my colleagues to come on board, not just physically, but with their hearts.

Yes, it took some time, but as their interest grew, so did my own engagement, and our approach gradually inspired other colleagues across all departments and levels of the organization.

They could see both the projects we were undertaking and the care we put into the way we prepared them, and realized that we truly cared.

Even if some colleagues did not join us actively, it was important that they supported us emotionally and helped create a positive atmosphere in the workplace.

Building Trust and Engagement

Leading with conviction was also key to finding sincere common ground with other company stakeholders.

While all projects were aligned with our company’s goals locally and regionally, extending their scope and coordinating them with operational needs required careful collaboration over time.

Among the usual challenges I faced was the limited time of my colleagues alongside their regular work responsibilities, as well as the fact that some were unsure why they should engage when it was not part of their formal duties.

Open communication and close cooperation with them and their superiors, combined with careful planning of activities alongside day-to-day responsibilities, were essential.

Sharing the passion and meaningfulness of each activity, while ensuring everyone felt included and that their contributions were valued, was equally important.

Creating Meaningful Impact

The first wins came from mirroring the trust and engagement of colleagues, followed by the heartfelt energy they brought to the execution of each project.

This, in turn, gave everyone even more enthusiasm to continue participating and caring, while also boosting engagement across the workplace.

There is nothing more invaluable and irreplaceable than experiencing firsthand the ability to positively impact someone’s day, even for a few minutes.

Each colleague also had the chance to explore their strengths or develop skills they had not practiced before. Beyond that, they gained insight into what leading a project entails and improved their knowledge and capabilities.

As the saying goes, you cannot truly call yourself a leader if no one grows when you are around. I am proud to say that the joy of seeing someone grow gives even greater meaning to that word.

This article is penned by  Marta Lešovská, Czech Republic.

The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.