Being A Leader, No Matter Your Job Title

But what if you don’t hold a management position or leadership team role? Can you still be a leader? If you’re anything like me, you have asked yourself this many times over the course of your career.

I used to think that a leader was pretty much what that definition stated – the person at the top, the manager to be followed, the one holding decision-making powers and influence to make things happen. It seemed that a title was at least part of what made a leader.

But over time my thinking began to shift. Not because I didn’t believe in the leaders wherever I was working, but because I came to the realisation that I could also be a leader. I was totally capable of setting an example to be followed or be influential within my own role.

I could help to lead those around me – no matter my place within a team – through meaningful actions, encouraging work relationships and a positive attitude.

If you’re doubting whether you’re a leader or not, here’s a small list of things you can do within your workplace to show that you indeed are a leader:

• Take action

Don’t wait for someone to give you permission to act on opportunities to use your expertise or make decisions that are within your remit to make.

• Connect with others

When you build and strengthen relationships with your team, clients or other stakeholders, your connections should be seen as growing leadership skills.

• Lead by example

You don’t need to be the boss or tell people what to do to prove you’re a leader. Your hard work, integrity and dedication to the cause will shine through.

• Help others

Whether through supporting others, offering assistance with a project, sharing knowledge, being a sounding board for new ideas or celebrating their wins, being a colleague that others can turn to for help is a great sign of leadership.

So, let your actions show that you a leader, no matter what your job title is.

This article was originally published at Gembridge.com.au