LEADERS THINK LIKE LEADERS
Whoa, Larry, what does that title mean? Of course, leaders think like leaders.
Actually, this week’s message goes beyond the plain meaning of those words. Last week, in response to my profile of rugby star Ilona Maher, one of the subscribers to this newsletter wrote the following:
“The way you framed her journey really hit home for me. It was a great reminder that true leadership isn’t tied to a title, but to how we show up for ourselves and others each day.”
That subscriber’s response resonated with me. I thought back to all the young people I have known who started out fairly low down on the employment ladder and, over time, without being officially mentored or guided, showed evidence of leadership potential through their words and behaviors that persuaded their managers to recommend them for promotion to a leadership position.
It is always helpful to remember that we do not need an official title to be considered a leader in the work place. We can gradually build our own reputation for leadership by the manner in which we show up at meetings, on Zoom, in conversations, in texts and even on the phone. The other person or persons will notice!
Frequently team members without a leadership title will gradually build a reputation for competence, character, creativity and problem-solving. Word will spread among colleagues and managers. Eventually, that person’s skills and attitude will become a “known” within a wider team constituency. Managers will talk about them in meetings. And they will receive a deserved promotion.
So what kind of behaviors can team members, those without a leadership title, engage in to develop a reputation as a leader among colleagues, supervisors and others?
-They can become attentive listeners
-They can ask great questions
-They can cultivate reputations for being team players
-They can demonstrate non-judgmental behaviors
-They can work on developing positive relationships with teammates
-They can support their own managers and help them look good
-They can help others complete projects when they have the time
-They can recommend excellent management or leadership books or podcasts to colleagues
-They can give deserved compliments to teammates frequently
-They can maintain a positive attitude every day
-They can help teammates solve tough issues
-They can take colleagues to lunch or out for coffee just to get to know them better
-They can attend leadership conferences to enhance their own skills
-They can peruse outstanding leadership newsletters and websites
-They can ask for recommendations of excellent leadership books
-They can pick the brains of their own managers and leaders
-They can ask their managers which leadership skills are most highly valued in their department or organization
-They can ask their managers which skills or attributes they ought to work on improving
-They can ask their managers which behaviors they ought to cut back on or eliminate
Please remember that we all traverse unique leadership journeys. Those journeys start at different junctures for different people. Regardless of your place on that leadership path, you can adopt leadership attitudes and demonstrate leadership behaviors.
You do not need to carry a specific leadership title to be seen as a leader among your team members and the managers in your office. They will recognize the leader within you by observing your attitude, by hearing your words, by learning your mindsets and by watching your behaviors!
If you believe this content would resonate with a friend or colleague, please feel free to forward it along!
-Larry