You Don’t Have to Be the Boss to Act Like a Leader

When you think of leadership, do you automatically picture someone who is high-ranking? A decisive, driven and demanding leader or boss who’s got the title to go with?

That’s not the leadership needed in today’s world and that’s not the leadership I want to talk about today.

Modern leaders know that people do their best when they’re treated with respect and assigned duties and projects that naturally motivate and allow them to stretch and take charge. This changing attitude means employees at every level have opportunities to take the reins and informally lead.

As you step into these leadership opportunities, it’s important to consider the same evolved attitude of modern leaders and avoid being too heavy handed.

Leaders Inspire Others to Follow

The foundation of leadership is the ability to motivate other people to work together toward a shared goal. (Notice I said “motivate” not “force.”)

Learn more now by registering for a 1-hour webinar: Leadership Skills for Administrative Professionals.

When you’re working in a group on a project and you’re not the boss, think about five key leadership concepts.

1. Modeling the way. When you set an example with your own behavior — your work and attitude — you are leading. By remaining calm when things go wrong, you influence those around you to do the same. Your actions are demonstrating how you want other to think, feel and act.

   This can also come into play in how you treat others … the respect you show them, your honesty, your work ethic. Model what you want to see from your team.

2. Inspiring a shared vision. When others see the bigger picture and how their work contributes, daily tasks take on a deeper meaning.

   But before you can bring others along to work toward a shared vision, you, yourself have to be clear on what that vision is. As you’re starting a project, what does the blueprint look like to you? How do you see the project fitting into the bigger picture?

   Next, leave room for input from others. By seeking out the ideas of others and involving them in the “how,” they become more invested. The goals or objectives become shared goals, as those working with you realize that their input and suggestions are valued.

3. Challenging the process. The world is changing all the time. For our organizations to adapt, we’ve got to be innovative and look past the default. That means always thinking: “Is there a better way?”

   Those better ways don’t have to come from you. You won’t have all the answers. You simply need to again, set the tone for a little risk taking and stay open to suggestions. Test things, learn from mistakes and make time to celebrate when something new works!

4. Enable others to act. Collaboration is so important in today’s workplaces because a lot of work is specialized, with each individual bringing a unique perspective and talent to the table.

   Tapping into the knowledge of others means asking questions and listening.

   It also means understanding the strengths of each team member you’re working with. Know when to defer to these individuals. You are not expected to know everything. And it’s important that you be honest about your own strengths and weaknesses. This vulnerability helps to build trusting relationships with those around you.

5. Encouraging the heart. This simply means to appreciate and value those around you. You set high standards for yourself and others and you should celebrate the wins. You give credit to those who contributed. You even acknowledge those who tried hard and failed.

   Don’t take the spotlight or credit where it isn’t due (or where there’s an opportunity to shine the spotlight on others). Everyone works better when they feel that they matter. Show that you always have your team members’ backs. That means praise, telling people you believe in them, giving recognition, or mentioning teammates’ contributions to bosses.

It doesn’t take formal authority to show leadership. Instead inspire others with your behavior and the five concepts I’ve outlined.