I write a great deal about leadership here, but I realize that not everyone is in a position of leadership. You might want to be, but you’re just not there yet due to current circumstances. But I want to encourage you: just because you’re not a CEO, a business owner, or a manager doesn’t mean you can’t lead.
In fact, finding opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills is one of your best avenues for professional advancement.
Start leading wherever you are in your career by adopting these essential behaviors and habits!
6 Ways to Lead Without Being a Leader
#1) Initiate
Does anything say “leadership material” quite like initiative? I didn’t think so! If you want to be taken seriously both in your current role and in consideration for future roles, show that you’re a self-starter. While we all must maintain healthy boundaries in the workplace, you can (and should!) go above and beyond your call within those bounds. Volunteer yourself for tasks and projects – especially ones that stretch your abilities. Be the guy who finds the solutions and not the one who complains about the problems.
#2) Take the Right Risks
Success is an exercise in taking calculated risks. There’s no benefit and no advancement without some level of risk. If you spend your time too afraid to lose, to be embarrassed, or to fail, you’re not going to get anywhere. Great leadership demands a level of daring that must be practiced and refined. It’s not about taking any risks but taking the right risks.
#3) Establish Your Objectives
Every leader has goals. If you want to take on a leadership role in the future, you’ve got to get a handle on your own objectives. These are things you want to do, money you want to make, skills you’d like to acquire, and more. Your goals – personal and professional – serve as motivation to move forward when your temptation may be to stay comfortable where you are.
Objectives can (and should) be broken down into short and long-term goals. Where do you want to be in six months? How about in five years? If professional advancement is your objective, make a plan and path for getting there. You’ll be more focused, more motivated, and more intentional when you do!
#4) Challenge the Status Quo
Leaders are known for charting the course. They’re not afraid to buck systems if it means making things better. For you, bucking that system and changing the status quo might manifest in many ways. Think about how you can improve systems and procedures to produce better, more efficient work. Don’t accept “the way things are” without question. Doing things one way because they’ve always been done that way – an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach – isn’t always to best option. Choose to challenge. Choose to innovate. Choose to explore. When you do, you demonstrate leadership.
#5) Master the Art of Constructive Criticism
Great leaders are master of giving feedback. They use that feedback, both positive and negative, to inspire, motivate, and move the needle. Delivering constructive criticism (and even constructive praise!) demands finesse. When you’re giving feedback, be sure you’re giving the person something to latch onto – something to keep doing, something to try, or something to work on. Explain the why and offer solutions where possible.
It's not about being the company know-it-all – it’s about being the kind of encourager that inspires people to be the best they can be.
#6) Communicate with Clarity
Perhaps the most essential leadership skill is effective communication. Communication in the workplace is at times challenging and nuanced given the mix of personalities, formalities, and procedures. But it’s still on you to prioritize communicating effectively and clearly with others. That means making your expectations known, asking tough questions, articulating your ideas, and speaking with clarity and conviction.
It also means that you understand that there’s no room for idle gossip and griping. You don’t engage with these morale-busting time wasters. Instead, you address problems head-on. You aren’t conflict-avoidant, you aren’t passive aggressive. You simply learn how to communicate with your team – including your bosses – to foster the best working environment and outcomes possible.