“Are you leading from a distance, or are you truly inside the story of those you serve?”

It’s a question I find myself coming back to over and over again—especially when I think about what leadership really demands of us today.

For years, we’ve been told that leadership is about having the vision, setting the pace, and staying a few steps ahead. And while that’s not wrong, it’s only half the truth. The other half – the part we don’t talk about enough is this: To lead from the front, you need to stay inside the story.

Let’s unpack that.

Beyond Strategy: The Heart of Leadership

Leadership isn’t just about giving direction. It’s about understanding where your people are coming from. What they’re going through. What they’re afraid to say out loud.

When leaders lose touch with the lived reality of their teams, decisions become abstract. Communication turns transactional. And slowly, the culture begins to erode – because no one feels truly seen or heard.

When Good Intentions Go Sideways

Let me share a story that captures this.

There was a CEO I once worked with – let’s call her Priya. Brilliant, passionate, and focused on results. She stepped into a new role with high expectations and an ambitious vision. But early on, she made one crucial mistake: she relied solely on her inner circle for input.

Her leadership team, her inner circle while experienced, was insulated. They didn’t fully grasp the shifting undercurrents in the wider organisation-the silent frustrations, the unspoken tensions, the informal power dynamics at play.

So when Priya made sweeping changes – restructuring departments, revoking flexible work, rolling out new policies. She was acting from a well-meaning place, but not from an informed one.

The results?
Demoralised teams. A wave of resignations. A culture that suddenly felt cold and corporate.

And here’s the thing: it wasn’t because she lacked capability. It was because she wasn’t inside the story.

What Does It Mean to Stay Inside the Story?

To stay inside the story is to be present – not just physically, but emotionally and relationally. It’s choosing to engage with people’s realities instead of assuming you know them.

It means:

• Asking, “What am I missing?”
• Listening not to reply, but to understand and then respond
• Being curious about resistance instead of pushing against it
• Working ‘On the system’ while working ‘In the system’

Leaders Who Lived the Story

Some of the greatest leaders truly lived this principle.

• Verghese Kurien – Known as the “Father of the White Revolution,” Kurien didn’t just revolutionize India’s dairy industry – he worked hand-in-hand with rural farmers, building Amul into a cooperative movement that empowered millions. His success was not built in boardrooms but in villages, alongside the people.
• Kiran Bedi – India’s first female IPS officer, Kiran Bedi led by breaking barriers not just for herself but for countless others. At Tihar Jail, she didn’t just implement reforms—she walked among the inmates, heard their stories, and brought change by being fully present within the system.
• Dr. Devi Shetty – A pioneer in affordable healthcare, Dr. Shetty has transformed cardiac care in India. But what sets him apart is his proximity to his patients’ realities. He consistently designs systems that cater to those who can’t afford private healthcare, proving leadership is not just innovation, but empathy in action.

These leaders don’t lead from ivory towers. They lead from within.

So… What About You?

If you’re in a position of influence, take a moment to reflect:

• When was the last time you really listened – to someone without power?
• Are your decisions shaped more by data or by dialogue?
• Are you making space for voices that challenge your view?

Because leadership is not about standing above the story – it’s about living it.

Closing Thoughts

The paradox of leadership is this: the further ahead you go, the more you must anchor yourself in the present experiences of those you serve. The best leaders don’t just move people forward—they walk the path with them.

So again, I leave you with the question:

Are you leading from a distance, or are you truly inside the story?