There’s no romantic way to explain how to grow as a person.
The only way to do it is to, you know, push ahead.
The best boss, the worst boss, the most micromanage-y boss — none of them can get you to where you’re going. They can push you and direct you, but the actual movements are on you.
It’s up to you, then, to figure out what advice to take — and how. That’s a skillset of its own.
HBR’s official stance on dealing with hands-off leadership is to become the leader yourself. They say that if you’re feeling lost, the best way to get back on track is to take responsibility and figure it out from there.
There’s something to that.
Let your leaders inspire you, and figure out what kind of role you can take from there. Don’t rely on them for directions — just bringing you the map.