leading when you are not the boss
Ever thought about it? Do you necessarily have to have a fancy title and people to supervise to be a leader? Ever noticed a (subtle) shift in your coworkers’ appearance or attitude towards their jobs after you came on board? Did they tell you directly or indirectly that they wanted to be like you? Leaders stand out not only for their individual contributions, but also for their ability to inspire others and to create a sense of community. I am not talking in big terms here. I am referring to your professional demeanor, how you carry yourself and how you treat others. I am referring to your work ethic and whether you are willing to go the extra mile no matter the size of the project.
leading when you are not the boss
lead by example
Simply having a positive attitude can have a huge effect on morale. Don’t believe it? Just consider how much one person’s negative attitude can derail a project or create a divisive atmosphere. Enthusiasm is contagious and it is certainly much better for productivity.
the coffee chatter
You can truly get to know your colleagues and managers by skipping the usual weather chats. I was talking about a fun bike ride my husband and I had last Sunday and found out about two of the coolest bike routes in our area. Not just that, but I got to know my coworkers a little better by having a conversation about fun date ideas and burning calories while having fun. I don’t do these conversations on a daily basis. Essentially I get paid to get the job done. These chats are usually no longer than 10 minutes, yet they go a long way when building solid work relationships.
be proactive
Again, I don’t mean for you to volunteer to lead the next project when you are already super busy. Pro-activity comes down to asking questions that nobody has asked and try to prepare an answer. It means thinking of the next step and getting it done. It means when you get to a hurdle, you’ll figure it out. And if there is no solution to the left or to the right, you don’t stop there. You go up and down and explore all the potential solutions you can possibly think of. Being proactive means doing what you can within your authority without the need of being told what to do next.
celebrate others
Whether you adore Suzi’s professional suit or you congratulate the next person on their successful project or their 10 year anniversary with the company, recognize the people around you and compliment them. It really only takes one sentence and a smile.
What do you think are the essential leadership qualities?
outfit details
shirt – white house black market
blazer – the limited
skirt – the limited
pumps – m.gemi
earrings – swarovski
leading when you are not the boss
Photos by Rick Robillard
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by Kim Thomas at Mode
