Do you feel you could become a great leader—not just another follower—at work? Are you ready to start fulfilling your ambitions? Here are 10 steps you can take to take you from where you are to where you want to be.
1. Take Responsibility – If you want to become a leader at work, take responsibility for anything that you’re involved with. As long as you participate in a project, you have a hand in its success or failure. Take responsibility for both—admit to mistakes, share what you’ve learned from them, and be sure to get credit where it is due.
2. Push The Envelope, Think Outside of the Box, Etc. – Whatever cliché you prefer, don’t be afraid to try new things. Leaders take risks. To become a leader at work, you will need to do the same. Start with something small—like taking on the project nobody else wants.
3. Let Yourself Stand Out – To become a leader, you have to be willing to be seen and get recognized. You have to participate in discussions, share ideas and contribute as much as possible.
4. Build Relationships with Senior People – Build and maintain relationships with people above you in the hierarchy. This is about building your own confidence as much as it is about the value and benefit of having them as mentors or advocates.
5. Be Open to Input – Learn to take feedback, both positive and negative. That way, you’re getting free tips on how to improve and be better—sometimes from people smarter than you. A good leader encourages and implements constant feedback.
6. Encourage Creativity – Create situations that stimulate your team or group members’ creativity. For example, offer new challenges with ample support to achieve these goals. When you help people to stretch their limits, with support, they will look to you as a leader.
7. Be a Role Model – Basically, walk the walk and talk the talk of the behaviors and characteristics that you’d like to see in others. When people admire what you do, they’ll try to emulate you.
8. Show Your Enthusiasm – Show that you care about the goals of the group. Think of different ways you can express your passion and enthusiasm for what you are all trying to accomplish. Let others know that you care about their progress and their contributions.
9. Listen and Communicate – Keep the lines of communication open with all of your group members. Try to give each member one-on-one time, and make sure they know you are receptive to their ideas. Make sure that everyone feels they can make contributions and receive recognition for their achievements.
10. Show an Optimistic Attitude – Inspire others by maintaining an upbeat, optimistic attitude. This doesn’t mean viewing things through rose-colored glasses. It just means maintaining a sense of positivity, even in the face of challenges.
There’s only one step you have to take to find your next great job opportunity: call or contact the staffing experts at Synerfac. We know exactly how to match you with the type of job you’re looking for!