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“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” — William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Some of the most influential people in an organization are not managers. In a recent podcast interview previewing her keynote at the 2026 NSH Histotechnology Convention, Ritu Ward discusses how leadership often has less to do with titles and more to do with the qualities that inspire trust and action. They may not have direct reports, decision-making authority, or a leadership title, and yet people still look to them when work gets stuck, problems need solving, or the team needs someone to step forward. Ward's keynote explores five leadership attributes, self-awareness, adaptability, vision, accountability, and empathy, that help lab professionals build trust, improve effectiveness, and move teams forward.

Lead Through Credibility, Not Authority

Without a management title, influence has to be earned. Be dependable. Follow through. Admit what you do not know. Help when you can. Give credit generously. Teach others instead of doing the work for them.

Over time, that reputation becomes a meaningful form of authority. People may not report to you, but they begin to trust your judgment because your character, competence, and consistency are visible.

Make Things Easier, Not More Complicated

One of the clearest ways to demonstrate leadership is to move work forward instead of simply pointing out what is wrong.
When you encounter a problem, do some thinking first. Instead of saying, “We have a problem,” try, “Here is what I found, what I think is causing it, and what I recommend we do.”

You don't have to have all the answers. You simply need to demonstrate that you're willing to think through the problem and help find a path forward.

Practice Leadership Without Acting Like the Boss

Leadership without authority is not about telling people what to do. It is about asking useful questions, connecting the right people, reducing negativity, and creating momentum.

• Ask questions that create ownership: “What do you need to make this happen?” or “What would make this easier?”
• Connect people who can help each other solve problems faster.
• Redirect complaint-heavy conversations toward what can actually be changed.
• Stay calm when work becomes difficult, unclear, or urgent.

Step Forward—But Respect the Role You Are In

Informal leadership requires judgment. Step forward when no one is taking ownership, when a project is stuck, or when your expertise can genuinely help. Step back when someone else owns the work, when your involvement would undermine another person’s authority, or when you simply would have done it differently.

Just as importantly, do not quietly create a competing power structure. You can disagree professionally, raise serious concerns privately, and still support the team once a decision is made.

A Leader by Any Other Name

Shakespeare wrote that a rose would smell just as sweet regardless of what we called it. Leadership is much the same. You do not become a leader because your email signature says Manager. You become a leader when people trust you, seek your perspective, and follow your example because you help create clarity, momentum, and confidence.

To hear Ritu Ward's full presentation, register to join us at the 2026 NSH Histotechnology Convention September 25-29 in San Antonio, Texas.