The Power of Leadership: Why Good Leaders Matter More Than the Company

There’s a saying I often hear: People don’t leave companies, they leave leaders. And I believe this to be true for the most part. Leaders have the power to shape our work experience, help us grow, and make us feel valued. When we leave a job, it's often because we feel a disconnect from leadership—not necessarily from the company itself.

Of course, there are exceptions. Situations arise that may have nothing to do with leadership, like a remote employee realizing they thrive in an office environment or feeling limited in their upward mobility because of the company’s size. But these cases are the exception, not the rule.

A truly great manager does more than just help you succeed in your current role—they look out for you as a person. They focus on what’s best for you, even if it’s not the best for the company. A good leader is someone who puts people first, someone who knows and cares about the person behind the employee. They’ll work to develop your career, whether that keeps you on their team, in the company, or even if it means supporting your growth elsewhere.

A good leader earns loyalty in ways that a company alone cannot. These are the leaders you’d follow to different functions, different roles, or even different companies. Their leadership transcends corporate boundaries because it’s personal, authentic, and focused on individual development.

Now, it’s a rare and wonderful thing when the work you do aligns with your passions and you're working for a great leader. But if I had to choose between the two, I’ll take a great leader every day of the week—and twice on Sundays.