Harley Shows Advocacy: A Quiet Leadership Story About Courage

Jul 28

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Sometimes, leadership can be loud and a declaration.

It can be seen as a command or a bold move that shifts the room.

But more often, the strongest form of leadership is quiet. It's found in thoughtful decisions, careful preparation, and small actions that require courage to act without applause or recognition.

In this third story, I shine a light on advocacy as a quiet leadership trait.

Advocacy means standing for something (or someone) you believe in with preparation, patience, and purpose. This story reminds us that the right support can make all the difference.

I brought the Harley Shows… series into existence to help us reflect on how even the smallest actions can shape workplace culture, collaboration, and community.

In this continuing journey of Harley, we see once again how his quiet actions create ripples. With each story, Harley offers a new lens on leadership. It is rooted in care, not control.

A Story About a Big Idea (and the Courage to Back It)

When Harley’s soccer team gathers to plan their annual fundraiser, the team captain, Pip, suggests the same candy sale they did last year. Most teammates seem to go along with it, offering no objection. Except for Mike, the new kid, who suggests doing something new: a student-teacher soccer match.

The idea is quickly dismissed. But Harley sees something in it, and in Mike. Rather than challenge Pip’s authority, Harley teams up with Mike to present a fully realized plan that Pip can consider. They talk to teachers, gather support, and eventually present a plan so compelling, even Pip can’t say no.

Does the fundraiser become a success? You'll have to read to see. But more than anything, this is about what can happen when the right support brings a bold idea to life.

Harley Shows Advocacy reminds us that influence doesn’t require a spotlight. Advocacy at work isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about elevating the right ideas at the right time. Harley models how to respect authority while still pushing for progress. His leadership shows up in conversations, in preparation, and in giving others the courage to believe in what’s possible.

It’s a lesson that can resonate in workplaces everywhere. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a teammate isn’t to simply agree, but to help them be heard.

Join the Harley Shows...Series Conversation

Story Three in the Harley Shows… series is now live.

I hope it inspires you to think about the quiet advocates in your life, and what you might do to champion the next great idea on your team. Keep following Harley’s journey as we uncover even more lessons in empathy, encouragement, and now, advocacy.

Let me know what resonated most with you by using #HarleyShows on LinkedIn, or comment on the story below.

Thanks for reading! I hope you’ll follow along as Harley’s world continues to grow, one small act of leadership at a time.

Illustrations provided by ChatGPT.

Posted: 28 July 2025