Be a Good Guide

You Made It—Now What?

There’s a quiet moment that sometimes comes after a big win—the promotion, the award, the new title. You made it. But once you’ve taken in the view from the top, a new question tends to settle in: Now what?

That’s when it’s time to look behind you and see who’s still climbing. Not to shout directions from the top, but to walk back down a few steps, reach out a hand, and guide.

When I think of the best guides I’ve ever had, I think of my childhood Girl Scout troop leader. She was my best friend’s mom, so I saw her in both casual and official settings—weekend sleepovers and group outings alike. But no matter the context, she showed up as someone you could trust. She saw each girl for who she really was. She paid attention. She adjusted. And because she met us with kindness, we grew.

That’s how I learned, long before my career ever began, what good guidance looks like. It’s not about managing a group. It’s about leading a life that makes room for others to thrive in your presence.

Great Guides Are Grounded

Years later, that feeling came back in a much more elite setting: a leadership training I was hosting with the executive team of a major pro sports organization. We were behind the scenes at one of the most incredible stadiums in the country. And yes, the session was in the team’s private locker room. (Talk about energy!)

But the moment that stuck with me most happened during the lunch break.

The executive who had brought me in—someone I’d known from a prior organization, someone with serious reverence in the industry—walked in and sat right down beside me. No fanfare. No performative introductions. He just chatted, warmly and thoughtfully, like we were catching up over coffee. I was so surprised, I probably looked like a deer in headlights. But he didn’t rush. He made space.

That’s what real leadership looks like. The kind that doesn’t require a spotlight to be seen. The kind that knows presence is the best power play.

If You’re Going to Be a Guide, Be a Good One

Every day, as the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I work with people who are guiding others. And I do my best to be a guide myself. I’ve been told at the end of trainings, team sessions, even casual coaching calls, “I feel better,” “I feel lighter,” “This helped so much.” It’s the highest compliment I could get. Because that’s the whole point.

But here’s the deal: not everyone who wants to mentor should mentor. And not everyone who reaches the top is ready to guide.

So here’s what being a good guide is not:

• It’s not about receiving adoration.
• It’s not about telling your story instead of hearing theirs.
• It’s not about skimming the surface.
• And it’s definitely not about projecting your path onto theirs.

Guidance requires you to see the person in front of you, not mold them into a version of yourself. It requires effort—to understand their context, to research their world, to ask better questions. The best mentors I’ve had didn’t offer shortcuts. They offered steady, unwavering belief.

If you’re going to be a guide, be the one who earns their trust. Then protect it.

OK, Let’s Play

The people we remember most aren’t always the ones with the biggest titles—they’re the ones who saw us at just the right moment and said, “You’ve got this.”

Ready: Are you in a season where you need a guide… or are you ready to become one?

Set: A great guide doesn’t just talk. They listen. Start there.

Go:

• Identify one person in your world who could use a little encouragement. Reach out.
• Reflect on a mentor you’ve had. What did they actually do that stuck with you?
• If you’re mentoring someone now, ask them what support feels most helpful.
• If you’re seeking a guide, get bold. Ask someone who inspires you to talk shop.

Lift Others Up

There’s a quote I’ve always loved: You’re not a leader until you’ve made another leader who can make another leader. That chain of growth is what builds real culture. It’s what multiplies impact.

But being a guide isn’t about orchestrating someone’s future. It’s about showing up beside them. It’s about staying humble enough to know this isn’t your story to star in—it’s theirs. Your role is to make the path visible, to lend your tools, and to remind them that yes, they can do this. That’s leadership.

So, if you’ve made it to the top—if you’ve climbed the hill and hit the milestones and worn the title—this is your invitation to look around. See who’s coming up behind you. Decide if it’s time to go back and walk with them for a while.

Because here’s the truth: being the hero is great. But being the guide?

That’s the role that changes everything.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!