The Influential Informal Leaders: The Unsung Heroes in Every Workplace

By Seagram W. Porter, MPA, CSM ret.

This might ruffle a few feathers, but it’s a truth worth telling. There are influential, informal leaders who are unsung heroes in the workplace.

Influential Informal Leader

Have you ever noticed the team member everyone turns to for guidance, the trusted colleague who won’t judge when asked a “dumb” question, or the calm during chaos, even though they’re not the boss?

In every workplace, there’s often one person who stands out, not because they chase titles or seek the spotlight, but because of their consistency, character, and quiet influence. They’re not necessarily climbing the corporate ladder, but they show up every day with integrity, positivity, and purpose. They simply do their job well. And that’s powerful.

What Is an Informal Leader?

An informal leader is an individual who does not hold an official title or formal authority. They are the glue that holds teams together. They are respected because of their experience, insight, and emotional intelligence. Informal leaders influence their peers without authority, and sometimes even their formal leadership.

The influential informal leader’s steady presence earns them a kind of respect that data alone can’t measure.

Why Formal Leaders and Organizations Should Pay Attention

Influence doesn’t always come from titles or analytics, it comes from character. It’s the intangible strength of good people who uplift others, guide quietly, and shape culture from within. These people matter deeply.

So before you chase another performance chart or data trend, pause and look around. Investing in and empowering these leaders can lead to:

• Enhanced team cohesion

• More effective change management

• Faster adoption of innovation

Seven Signs You’ve Found an Informal Leader

1. The team gravitates toward them for advice, emotional support, and problem-solving.

2. They’re not the loudest in meetings, but they’re the most listened to.

3. They don’t display formal authority, but others mirror their behavior or mindset.

4. They build relationships across all levels, from entry-level to executive, and act as a bridge.

5. During times of conflict or chaos, they bring calm and clarity.

6. They are self-starters who take initiative, offer solutions, and protect team values.

7. They are consistent, deliver what they commit to, and stand firm on values, even when unpopular.

Ask yourself: “Who does my team go to before they come to me?”

Chances are, they’re going to an informal leader.

How to Support Informal Leadership in the Workplace

Once you’ve identified an informal leader, here are several ways to encourage their continued impact:

• Include them in planning discussions for upcoming initiatives

• Assign them mentoring or onboarding responsibilities

• Offer workplace leadership development opportunities tailored to their style

Call to Action: Empower the Leaders, You Didn’t Know You Needed

Informal leaders are already shaping your team’s culture, morale, and performance, whether you’ve noticed them or not. It’s time to elevate their impact with intention.

At MP Insight Solutions LLC, we specialize in helping organizations like yours identify, support, and develop both formal and informal leaders. Through evidence-based strategies, leadership assessments, and tailored consulting, we empower teams to unlock their full potential from the inside out.

👉 Ready to discover the unsung heroes in your organization?

Let’s talk about how we can help you build a stronger, more engaged, and more resilient workforce.

📩 Visit mpinsightsolutions.com to schedule your leadership consultation.