The Writing Is on the Wall — Are You Ready to Read It?
By Gary S. Corns | July 16, 2025
The signs are there. Most people don’t miss them because they’re clueless—they miss them because they’re comfortable. Have you ever seen a colleague keep grinding in a role that’s quietly shifting? They show up, work hard, do what’s always worked… but the influence is fading, the energy’s off, and no one says a word. The truth is, the signs were there. They just didn’t want to see them.
The Slow Shift
Take Sarah, a project manager who thrived leading her team’s legacy system. She hit every metric, earned praise, and felt indispensable. But over months, her company shifted to a new platform. Meetings moved on without her input. Her projects were reassigned. She kept focusing on her old wins, not noticing the blueprint had changed.
This is how it happens—not all at once, but gradually. You’re in a role that feels clear. You have purpose, momentum, impact. Then, slowly, things shift: You’re not asked for input like before. Decisions are made without you. Your calendar’s full—but not with what drives the team forward.
Why We Miss It
The problem isn’t the signs—it’s our reluctance to read them. In business and life, roles evolve. Priorities shift. But we often miss it because we confuse being busy with being essential. We cling to what’s familiar, avoiding tough questions: Has my role already changed? Am I adding real value—or just going through the motions? Is this drift… or a new direction I haven’t embraced?
The Cost of Delay
Drift is subtle—until it’s not. Leaders aren’t always replaced with a big announcement. Sometimes they’re quietly moved to the margins. Influence fades. Conversations happen elsewhere. If you’re not paying attention, you end up reacting to changes you could’ve shaped.
Turning Drift into Growth
The good news? When you spot the signs early, drift becomes a chance to grow. The most resilient leaders don’t cling to yesterday’s role. They stay curious, adapt with intention, and pivot before they’re forced to. Here’s how:
- Assess Your Impact: Stop measuring busyness. Ask, “What’s the one thing my team couldn’t do without me today?”
- Seek Proactive Feedback: Schedule a quick check-in and ask, “Has anything shifted in my role or the team’s priorities?”
- Release Past Wins: Past successes aren’t your identity—they’re stepping stones.
- Build a Feedback Habit: Set up monthly coffee chats with colleagues or mentors to stay tuned into shifts.
Leadership Is Seasonal
Roles change. Priorities evolve. The most adaptable leaders don’t resist this—they lean into it. They read the room. They notice the quiet shifts. They act before the drift defines them.
Your Next Step
The writing on the wall isn’t always the end—it’s often an invitation. An invitation to evolve. To let go. To grow forward! This week, take one step: Reflect on your role. What’s one sign you’ve noticed that something’s shifting?
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