Let Them: A Leadership Mindset for Rising Above the Noise

Leadership often comes with a heavy weight—the weight of expectations, opinions, and the unspoken pressure to control every outcome. But what if the most powerful thing you could do as a leader was to let go or let them?

Inspired by Mel Robbins’ Let Them movement, this mindset challenges the way we approach leadership, especially in the workplace. It’s a reminder that true leadership isn’t about micromanaging perceptions or trying to control every narrative. It’s about rising above the noise and staying focused on what really matters.

Let’s be honest: as senior leaders, we’ve all felt the need to prove ourselves, to defend our decisions, or to ensure we get credit where credit is due. But constantly trying to manage how others perceive you or your actions can quickly become exhausting—and it distracts you from what’s most important.

So, what does “Let Them” look like in the workplace?

  • Let them doubt you. Not everyone will see your vision or believe in your capabilities, and that’s okay. Leadership is about forging ahead even when others don’t understand your path.
  • Let them misunderstand you. People will create their own narratives. Spending time trying to explain yourself to everyone is a losing battle. Instead, let your results speak for themselves.
  • Let them take the credit. As counterintuitive as it may seem, sometimes letting others shine is the ultimate leadership move. When you let others take the spotlight, it builds trust and empowers your team.
  • Let them have the last word. Leadership isn’t about winning every debate—it’s about knowing when to step back and focus on the bigger picture.

As Mel Robbins says, “Let them do what they’re doing, and you do what you’re doing.” It’s a simple but profound idea: when you stop pouring your energy into controlling others, you free yourself to focus on what truly aligns with your values and goals.

Letting go doesn’t mean giving up. It means redirecting your time, energy, and focus toward the things that matter most—your purpose, your growth, and the success of your organization.

Let’s embrace the power of Let Them. Let them doubt, misunderstand, or even criticize. What’s meant for you will never miss you. Trust yourself, keep rising, and remember that true leadership is about progress, not perfection.

At Rise Pittsburgh, the Let Them mindset is woven into how we lead, grow, and serve. In a fast-paced, competitive industry like representing tenants in commercial real estate, we’ve learned that not everyone will understand our mission or our approach—and that’s okay. We let them doubt our strategies, question our decisions, or underestimate our resolve. Why? Because we’re focused on what truly matters: putting tenants first, building lasting relationships, and delivering results that speak for themselves. By letting go of the need to prove ourselves to everyone, we’ve freed up the energy to focus on what aligns with our values and the goals of our clients. It’s this mindset that allows us to rise—every single day.

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