A well-written resume uses verbs that showcase your skills and experiences. One of the most important verbs to include in your resume is 'leading.' Having this word on your resume shows that you are a leader—that you're good at leading people and projects and can do so with confidence and skill.

The ability to lead is a vital skill for success in any field and can be highlighted on your resume by using the action verb 'leading,' which is the present participle of lead. But remember that it would be best to keep your resume brief and to the point by minimizing the repetition of this word in writing your leadership achievements.

To do this, use synonyms to replace repetitive words or phrases in your resume. Additionally, use the past tense ('led') when describing accomplishments in the past; otherwise, write in the present tense of the verb if it's a current role. For example, you can interchangeably use 'led' with 'ushered' or 'guided.'

Rewriting your resume using synonyms will help you sound natural and less mechanical. It also ensures that essential information isn't lost in the repetitive language.

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Leading on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Leading:

Administered
Orchestrated
Conducted
Directed
Championed
Overhauled
Initiated
Piloted
Masterminded
Engineered
Spearheaded
Governed
Mobilized
Revitalized
Standardized
Energized
Consolidated
Pioneered
Galvanized
Expedited
Ushered
Guided
Steered
Captained
Superintended
Shepherded
Mentored
Taught
Nurtured
Advised
Coached
Mapped
Officiated
Ordered
Oriented
Educated
Magnified

How to replace Leading with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Leading, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Leading

• Leading a team to commercialize new products

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Supervised a 7-member cross-functional team to commercialize 12+ new products; generated $550K within the first month of release to the public. .

Replacing Leading with Administered ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the implementation of new software

⤸

After: Administered• Administered the company-wide deployment of CRM software, successfully training 150+ staff members and improving sales tracking efficiency by 65%

To improve this bullet point, I made sure we were more specific about the results and the stakeholders. I also changed the action verb to 'Administered', suggesting an active, managerial role rather than a generic leadership responsibility.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.

Replacing Leading with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the team in market research initiatives

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated comprehensive market research strategies that informed four successful product launches, increasing overall sales by 30%.

Supplanting 'Leading' with 'Orchestrated' better emphasizes project coordination and strategic planning. Details on the accomplishment and tangible results make this a stronger claim.

Replacing Leading with Conducted ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the quarterly financial reviews

⤸

After: Conducted• Conducted comprehensive quarterly financial reviews, identifying 5 key areas of inefficiency which, once addressed, saved the company over $200,000 annually.

Replacing 'Leading' with 'Conducted' better describes the action the jobholder took. I added quantifiable achievements to highlight the value the candidate brought to their previous organization.

Replacing Leading with Directed ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading strategy development for key clients

⤸

After: Directed• Directed successful strategy development for 10+ key clients, driving a 40% increase in revenue over two years.

The term 'Directed' demonstrates ownership and responsibility. The impact of the candidate's work is exactly quantified, making the bullet point more powerful.

Replacing Leading with Championed ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading process improvement initiatives

⤸

After: Championed• Championed process improvement initiatives that increased workflow efficiency by 20% and saved $30,000 in quarterly operational costs.

The verb 'Championed' gives the impression of a dedicated and energetic individual. The specific results offer concrete evidence of the candidate's achievement.

Replacing Leading with Overhauled ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading website redesign project

⤸

After: Overhauled• Overhauled the corporate website, leading a 15-member team to boost user interactions by 50% and drive a 35% increase in online sales.

'Overhauled', paired with the inclusion of numbers and results, drive home the scale and impact of the project. Managers will appreciate the clear link between the action and the outcome.

Replacing Leading with Initiated ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading expansion into new markets

⤸

After: Initiated• Initiated and drove expansion into three new markets, leading to a yearover-year sales growth of 25%

Replacing 'Leading' with 'Initiated' emphasizes the active role the candidate played. The numeric metrics leave no doubt about the positive impact of this action.

Replacing Leading with Piloted ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the new product testing phase

⤸

After: Piloted• Piloted thorough testing and refinements for 5+ new products, realizing 98% flawless launch and boosting customer satisfaction ratings by 15%.

'Piloted' indicates that the candidate was not only a participant but a navigator. The metrics provide concrete information about the outcome, enhancing credibility.

Replacing Leading with Masterminded ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the cross-functional collaboration

⤸

After: Masterminded• Masterminded cross-functional collaboration between three key departments, reducing project turnaround time by 30% and trimming annual staffing costs by $75k.

The use of 'Masterminded' suggests that the candidate was the prime mover in this initiative. Metrics provide quantifiable success, asserting the candidate's value.

Replacing Leading with Engineered ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the increase of production efficiency

⤸

After: Engineered• Engineered a 50% increase in production efficiency by implementing lean manufacturing principles, whilst reducing related costs by 25%

The verb 'Engineered' underscores the active, problem-solving approach taken by the candidate. The results underline the direct, positive impacts of their actions.

Replacing Leading with Spearheaded ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading a new marketing campaign

⤸

After: Spearheaded• Spearheaded a new marketing campaign that boosted online engagement by 30%, leading to a 20% increase in sales

'Spearheaded' creates a sense of dynamic initiative, and the metrics show clearly how the candidate's proactive approach led to substantial results.

Replacing Leading with Governed ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading a new customer service training program

⤸

After: Governed• Governed the initiation and implementation of a comprehensive customer service training program, reducing complaint rates by 40%

Replacing 'Leading' with 'Governed' depicts a more authoritative, managerial position. The achievement is clearly stated, showing the effectiveness of the training program.

Replacing Leading with Mobilized ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the team to meet sales targets

⤸

After: Mobilized• Mobilized a sales team of 35 members to exceed sales targets by 15%, generating an additional $300k in revenue

The verb 'Mobilized' infers a sense of urgency and initiative. The numeric specifics provide evidence of the candidate's ability to deliver significant results.

Replacing Leading with Revitalized ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading product development

⤸

After: Revitalized• Revitalized product development processes, bringing 2 leading-edge software products to market 1 quarter ahead of schedule, boosting company market share by 5%.

The term 'Revitalized' is vibrant and suggests action. Including concrete outcomes and quantifiable results clearly highlights the candidate's effectiveness.

Replacing Leading with Standardized ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading team workflow operations

⤸

After: Standardized• Standardized team workflow operations, reducing unnecessary procedures by 45%, and boosting productivity by 20%.

The choice of 'Standardized' over 'Leading' provides clearer insight into what the candidate did. The detailed results demonstrate the impact of their actions.

Replacing Leading with Energized ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading a low-performing team

⤸

After: Energized• Energized a previously under-performing team, improving overall productivity by 35% and achieving all key performance indicators within 6 months.

Using 'Energized' instead of 'Leading' conveys the candidate's power to motivate and enliven their team. The numbers reflect the effectiveness of the candidate's leadership style.

Replacing Leading with Consolidated ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading project management

⤸

After: Consolidated• Consolidated project management processes, resulting in a reduction of project overruns by 35% and saving approximately $70k per year

The word 'Consolidated' portrays a proactive and proficient approach to project management. Adding metrics underscores the candidate's ability to deliver results.

Replacing Leading with Pioneered ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading social media initiatives

⤸

After: Pioneered• Pioneered innovative social media initiatives to increase brand visibility, expanding social media followers by 30% and web traffic by 20%

Switching 'Leading' with 'Pioneered' reflects the creativity and forward-thinking of the applicant. Precise figures give the outcome credibility.

Replacing Leading with Galvanized ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading negotiations with vendors

⤸

After: Galvanized• Galvanized negotiations with 20+ vendors reducing annual supply costs by 15%, equating to savings of $500,000

The term 'Galvanized' creates a sense of vigorous, transformative action. Quantifiable results highlight the effectiveness of the candidate's negotiation skills.

Replacing Leading with Expedited ▾

Before: Leading

• Leading the shipping process

⤸

After: Expedited• Expedited the shipping process by integrating a new logistics tracking system, decreasing delivery times by 10% and escalating overall customer satisfaction.

The verb 'Expedited' denotes speed and efficiency, qualities desired in any professional. The metrics ensure that the impact of this action is clear and tangible.

How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Leading.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Coordinated on a resume:

• Coordinated execution of LBO in foodservice sector in South Africa, the PE fund's largest investment; led a team of four analysts; negotiated bank financing and developed hedging strategy.

How to use Created on a resume:

• Created and maintained models for M&A plans, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Product SVA Analysis, Credit Risk Assessment Models, and Common Stock Liquidity Comparisons.

How to use Promoted on a resume:

• Promoted to Associate Consultant in 2 years (1 year in advance); the only member in a cohort of 45 Analysts to be fast-tracked.

How to use Formulated on a resume:

• Formulated implementation plans for transactions in collaboration with senior members of trading, sales, compliance and legal teams; generated annual profits of $10+ million.

How to use Delivered on a resume:

• Delivered product solutions to institutional and corporate clients; grew customer base by +25% in Europe.

How to use Assessed on a resume:

• Assessed the product portfolio and created a brand turnaround strategy for a global fashion company; conducted qualitative interviews with industry experts and quantitative analysis to determine barriers to purchasing and distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Leading on a resume?

Synonyms you can use instead of the overused phrase Leading include:

Magnified
Advised
Steered
Captained
Nurtured
Shepherded

What is another way of saying Leading on a resume?

You can say Mapped, Coached or Officiated instead of Leading.

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

As a next step, I'd recommend going through each of your resume's verbs and improving each one with stronger action verbs. The most effective way to do that is by uploading your resume to tool below. It'll tell you which parts of your resume need work, so you can improve them before a recruiter rejects you for them.

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