Have you ever wondered how some people “found” their way into a leadership position? Some people “earn” the position simply by being around for a long time. Some are pals with someone higher up in the company. Some are suck ups who will say or do anything to gain a little power. 

But some truly earn the right to lead. Truly earning a leadership position requires a combination of skills, qualities, and actions that demonstrate your ability to effectively lead and inspire others. If your goal is to lead others in such a way as to make a positive difference in their lives then here are a few development areas to consider. 

• Self-Development:
  • Continuous Learning: Invest in your personal and professional development. Seek new skills, knowledge, and certifications relevant to your field. This shows your commitment to growth and improvement.
  • Self-Awareness: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, values, and leadership style. Being self-aware allows you to leverage your strengths and work on areas that need improvement.

• Demonstrate Leadership Qualities:
  • Communication: Develop strong communication skills, both verbal and written. A good leader can convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and foster open dialogue.
  • Decision-Making: Show your ability to make informed and timely decisions. Be sure to consider both short-term and long-term impacts.
  • Problem-Solving: Demonstrate your aptitude for analyzing complex situations, identifying root causes, and proposing effective solutions.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Display empathy, understanding, and the ability to manage emotions. Both your own and those of others.
  • Resilience: Leaders often face challenges and setbacks. Demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude in the face of adversity is crucial.

• Show Initiative and Responsibility:
  • Proactive Attitude: Take the initiative to go above and beyond your current role. Identify opportunities for improvement and take action.
  • Accountability: Hold yourself accountable for your actions and decisions. Admit mistakes and learn from them rather than placing blame on others.

• Build Relationships:
  • Networking: Cultivate a strong professional network both within and outside your organization. Networking can expose you to new opportunities and provide valuable insights.
  • Mentorship and Collaboration: Seek guidance from experienced leaders and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Being a team player and supporting others can make you a respected figure within your organization.

• Lead by Example:
  • Work Ethic: Exhibit a strong work ethic and dedication to your role. Be punctual, reliable, and willing to put in extra effort when needed.
  • Integrity: Uphold high ethical standards in your interactions and decisions. Consistently act with honesty and transparency.

• Take on Leadership Roles:
  • Volunteer for Projects: Seek out opportunities to lead projects or teams. Even if they are outside your immediate responsibilities. This demonstrates your willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
  • Demonstrate Results: Deliver measurable results in your current role and any leadership roles you take on. Tangible achievements showcase your ability to drive success.

• Seek Feedback and Improve:
  • Feedback: Actively solicit feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. Use this feedback to identify areas for improvement and adjust your approach.
  • Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adapt your leadership style based on feedback and evolving circumstances.

• Express Interest and Ambition:
  • Express Your Intentions: Let your supervisors or higher-ups know about your interest in taking on leadership roles. This demonstrates your ambition and commitment to the organization’s success.

• Continuous Improvement:
  • Reflect and Learn: Regularly reflect on your leadership journey, identifying areas where you’ve grown and areas that still need development. Be committed to continuous improvement.

Truly earning a leadership position is a gradual process. It requires consistent effort, dedication, and a willingness to learn from your experiences. It’s about demonstrating your ability to lead effectively, inspire others, and contribute positively to your organization’s goals. It’s a process that never ends because even after you’ve been promoted to a leadership position you must continually earn the right to stay there.

Want more of LeadToday? I’ve changed things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. I recently began publishing two or three videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Sometimes a bonus video pops up at other times during the week. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $4.99 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month.

If you’re interested in taking a look, head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success.

Here’s the link to my Twitter… https://twitter.com/leadtoday