The other day when I picked up my little two-foot nothing kindergartner, I caught her cute self in the midst of a group of much taller, older first-graders, explaining to them why they should absolutely take a trip to the Boston Children museum, lest their whole life would be nothing short of wasted. Or should I say, I heard her, since you could only make out her already authoritative voice in the midst of utter, awe-struck silence…I wouldn’t be surprised if any of these kids were actually taking down my baby’s emphatic words about “the magic bubble room” or the “ball roller coaster”…
That’s the thing with leadership, it really has no age, height or hairstyle requirement. You have to live it and project it onto others.
Yet, let’s face it, it’s easier to lead when your title, height, age or experience, says you have the authority to do so. But when the whole world seems to have you confined between three and two-quarters cubicle walls in an individual contributor role, leading becomes elusive. So how do you prove yourself worth of leadership responsibilities when you ain’t the boss, don’t look like the boss, and definitely don’t carry the boss’s latest Birkin bag?
1. Lead with your attitude! Attitude is everything, and as cliche as it may sound, it never fails! Your attitude even precedes your work in most cases, as you interact with colleagues and management, and learn to manage the subtle work politics.
What you deliver at work is important, yet how you deliver it is crucial. Not only does it help establish your professional brand, but it also builds your credibility and trustworthiness even beyond the workplace.
2. Lead with your work! What does the quality of your work say about you? How does your work product measure up? People are watching you, and more so at work than anywhere else. Whether for competitive, evaluation or even inspirational purposes, your results are impacting how you are perceived, and ultimately, the career progress you make.
Remember, excellence is one of the most compelling signs of leadership. By going above and beyond, paying careful attention to detail, and being receptive to feedback, you’re setting yourself for success! And that’s leadership!
3. Lead with Innovation! When you’re confined to an individual contributor role, it can be challenging to bring something new to the table. And even when you do, the chances of your idea or proposal being actually considered or implemented can be limited, depending on the professional environment you’re in.
That’s when your leadership skills come in! Keep bringing new ideas to the forefront, however structure them in a compelling, organized and documented way! Show how a new approach or idea can benefit everyone, and start by implementing it yourself! Be prepared for resistance, yet be sure to consider it and diplomatically stand your ground!
How do you lead at work, even when you’re not the boss?
The Corporate Sis.
