Most people recognize an opportunity only after it’s slipped through their fingers. That’s easy – hindsight is 20/20. But if you want to stand out as a leader, you’ve got to see opportunities as they’re coming, even when they’re not clearly labeled. 

Walter P. Chrysler nailed it when he said, “The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the backyard looking for four-leaf clovers.”

Opportunities aren’t wrapped up in shiny packages with big red bows. They’re often disguised as challenges, risks or simple ideas that no one else is paying attention to. And the best leaders? They don’t wait around. They go out and create those opportunities.

Ready to sharpen your leadership edge? Here’s why: Leadership is all about staying ahead of the curve. If you can spot and seize opportunities before others even recognize them, you’re not just leading – you’re transforming. That edge? It’s what sets great leaders apart from good ones.

Let’s break it down into three actionable steps – complete with real-world examples and a little psychology to fuel your mindset.

1. Sharpen Your Vision to Spot Hidden Opportunities

Look, this isn’t about magical intuition; it’s about training your brain to see patterns, gaps and trends before everyone else. Leaders who master this skill don’t just react to what’s obvious – they’re out there spotting what’s next.

Example: Remember when Zoom exploded during the pandemic? Here’s the backstory: While other video conferencing platforms were coasting, Zoom’s leadership saw a gap – a need for simple, scalable and reliable video calls. 

Zoom didn’t wait for the demand to grow; they got ahead of it. By expanding their capacity and streamlining their platform, Zoom transformed into a $150 billion juggernaut practically overnight. That’s what sharp vision looks like.

Psychology Insight: Your brain’s reticular activating system (RAS) is like a filter for opportunities. When you’re tuned into what you want to find, your RAS helps you see it. Start asking, “What’s missing here?” or “How can I make this better?” Those questions train your brain to spot opportunities others miss.

Try This: Take a hard look at your environment. What’s inefficient? What’s broken? Practice flipping challenges into opportunities by asking, “What if?”

2. Act Quickly and Decisively

Spotting an opportunity is only half the game. The leaders who win are the ones who act fast. Perfection? It’s a myth. Waiting for it will leave you in the dust.

Example: Let’s talk about Elon Musk. Whether you love him or not, the guy knows how to move. When Musk decided to acquire Twitter (now X), he didn’t hesitate. His vision to shape a social media platform aligned with his values drove him to act swiftly – even amidst controversy. Sure, the results are still unfolding, but his decisiveness is a lesson in bold action.

Psychology Insight: Ever heard of the “Action Bias”? It’s the idea that we feel more in control and confident when we take action instead of staying passive. Leaders who embrace this mindset – with a dose of smart strategy – unlock momentum and build confidence along the way.

Try This: What’s one opportunity you’ve been sitting on? Take a small but meaningful step today. Even a tiny action creates momentum.

3. Surround Yourself With Opportunity Seekers

Leadership isn’t a solo act. Who you surround yourself with matters – a lot. The right people won’t just spot opportunities – they’ll challenge you to take them.

Example: Think about Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia’s founder. He didn’t build a sustainable fashion empire alone. Chouinard’s leadership team helped drive Patagonia’s bold moves, like the “Don’t Buy This Jacket” campaign. This culture of innovation didn’t just happen – it was cultivated by surrounding himself with forward-thinking, risk-taking individuals.

Psychology Insight: Social contagion theory tells us that behaviors and mindsets are contagious. When you surround yourself with big thinkers, their energy fuels yours. It’s like an inspiration amplifier.

Try This: Take a moment to assess your inner circle. Who’s challenging you to grow? If you can’t think of anyone, it’s time to expand your network. Seek out the dreamers and doers who push you to level up.

Leader Wrap-Up

Opportunities don’t wait for perfect conditions. They’re messy. They’re risky. And sometimes, they look like anything but opportunities. Here’s the bottom line: You don’t need to have it all figured out to act. You just need to trust yourself and take that first step.

Missed a chance in the past? Let it go. Hanging onto regret will only blind you to what’s coming. The best leaders aren’t lucky – they’re intentional. They train their minds to see what others overlook. They act with courage. And they bring the right people along for the ride.

You’ve got this. I believe in you. Now it’s time to believe in yourself.

Tune in to the Leader Fuel Podcast with Dr. Linda Travelute for the fuel you need to keep going and growing as a leader! Dr. Linda, a certified John Maxwell coach and CEO of Maximized Leaders, blends psychology with real-world leadership strategies to help you thrive in every aspect of leadership. Want to take your leadership to the next level? Listen to Leader Fuel wherever you get your podcasts and get ready to lead with confidence!