This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Daniela Schneider, IMA Germany on 19th February 2026.
At IMA, we often say that leadership is not defined by title but by impact. In this edition of Leadership in Action, Daniela Schneider from Germany offers a powerful and structured perspective on how assistants lead every day through strategic thinking, cultural influence, and operational excellence.
Her reflection reminds us that leadership from the second row is not only possible. It is essential.
Leading from the Second Row
My name is Daniela Schneider, and I have been a member of the International Management Assistants (IMA) in Germany for more than 20 years. I currently work as an Executive Business Partner in the electronics industry.
In my role, I am fortunate to support an executive who values my contribution as a sparring partner, guardian of the company vision, and bridge between the C-level and the wider organization. It is a role that allows me to fully apply my Chief of Staff capabilities in a strategic, operational, and cultural way.
When we think about leadership, we often think of formal titles. Yet holding a title does not automatically make someone a good leader, and lacking one does not prevent someone from leading.
Assistants lead every day, even without formal authority. We lead from the second row, close enough to decision making to influence it and connected enough to the organization to sense its pulse.
Assistants shape priorities, move ideas forward, and support change initiatives. We act as organizational seismographs, detecting shifts in mood, resistance, or momentum long before they become visible.
Often, we step into formal leadership roles when managing cross functional projects or strategic initiatives. But even when we do not, our influence is real and measurable.
Strategic Framing of Decisions
When preparing information for my executive, I do far more than compile data. I curate perspectives, clarify options, and ensure that tradeoffs are transparent. My goal is to reduce bias and present a balanced, well-structured picture before a decision must be made.
By openly discussing alternatives in advance, I help create clarity and strengthen the quality of decisions.
This is leadership through strategic preparation and cognitive guidance, shaping not the decision itself but the way it is understood.
Driving Vision into Action
When our company introduced a new vision and leadership principles, I participated in the initial management discussions to understand the deeper intentions behind the strategy. Listening carefully allowed me to translate abstract statements into meaningful action.
I took ownership of developing the communication concept, from launching the vision to embedding it into annual goals for all employees.
Thanks to my close connection with colleagues across the organization, I was able to anticipate potential misunderstandings and address them proactively.
We initiated team workshops, reflection circles, team dialogues, and Q&A sessions to ensure alignment.
Leadership here meant creating structure, enabling clarity, and ensuring that strategy was not just announced but understood and lived.
Shaping Culture Through Behavior
A new vision often requires a cultural shift. Culture is not defined by statements on the wall. It is shaped by daily behavior. It lives in small interactions, in consistency, and in the courage to reinforce or gently correct actions that do not align with shared values.
As assistants, we are highly visible. Colleagues observe how we act to understand what is truly valued. By modeling professionalism, respect, and strategic thinking, we influence culture every day.
This is leadership through example and behavioral signaling.
Taking Formal Project Leadership
When my executive planned a two-day regional strategy workshop, I proactively designed a comprehensive concept by defining objectives, selecting participants, shaping the workshop structure, aligning topics, and planning follow up actions.
After presenting the concept, I was entrusted with full project leadership. I coordinated preparation, reviewed presentations, structured discussion formats, defined follow up projects, and ultimately facilitated the workshop.
The result was a highly aligned, outcome driven event with clear next steps and ownership.
In this case, leadership was visible and formal, but it was built on the same competencies we use every day: foresight, structure, communication, and accountability.
The Leadership We Often Underestimate
Assistants are powerful and often underestimated leaders within their organizations. Whether through strategic preparation, alignment work, cultural influence, or formal project management, we shape decisions and drive impact.
Leadership does not begin with a title. It begins with responsibility, awareness, and the willingness to step forward when the situation requires it.
I hope that your executive recognizes your ability to lead, from the second row or from the front when needed. And even more importantly, I hope you recognize it yourself.
This article is penned by Daniela Schneider, IMA Germany.
The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.