So you might be wondering how to step up from a mid-level position into a senior role, leading people. This could be a lengthy conversation, so I am going to give you some key pointers here.
Firstly if you want to become a leader, you need to act like one. Easier said than done, but that is your best strategy. What does this mean? Everybody can lead from wherever they are in their work or life. Acting like a leader means that you are taking responsibility for your actions, and that you are committed to a vision, a goal, a result to reach. It also means that you are being proactive in finding ways to reach that goal. Which by the way does not mean that you have to do it all by yourself. You can enlist support, delegate or simply ask your boss. But a leader drives progress, they don’t wait for strategies by others or the full plan.
Too often we confuse being a leader with having all the answers. With having all the depth of experience, the qualifications and the recognition. All those definitely make you a stronger leader. But they are not success criteria for leadership. They used to be, and some people and managers still see the world through those lenses. But with matrix organisations, constant change and business agility, this definition is out-of-date. Leaders nowadays are the people who can adapt, try and correct their actions, and empower people on the journey. Can you do this?
If you want to become a leader where you are, consider how you can model your behaviour to be one. If you find leaders who inspire you at work, spend some time with them. Observe them, ask them to mentor you or join their team. But you can also start growing your leadership skills on your own. How would you feel and behave if you were already one? Typically you can contribute positively in meetings, start up a new project the business needs, solve a problem the team has or give an impactful presentation. These are all opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone, share your expertise for the greater good and influence others. As long as you are seen, heard and respected, you are on the right path.
Naturally, becoming a leader goes hand in hand with managing people. And this is a learning curve for everybody, that you get on at your own pace. If you are not currently managing people, it is a good idea to look for other ways to work with team members. This could be project-based, or when delivering a specific training. You could offer to mentor a junior staff member on a particular skill or task. If you are ready for the next role, make sure you can negotiate at least one direct report as part of your career growth.
Once you are managing people, and this is another great characteristic of leaders: be ready to learn. Stay open, listen and learn. You will fail, you will slip, or feel overwhelmed, but your job is to stay the course, improving as you go. Some leaders can be born, but anyone can be shaped up into a leader by their experiences. By accepting your limitations and being vulnerable, you will keep others empowered and inspire them. And this is something women are more likely to get thanks to their natural abilities.
So if you want to be a leader tomorrow, act like one today and trust that you have what it takes. Don’t wait for ‘the day when…’. It is not about having the right certificate or achievement, but it is about being the best version of yourself professionally and getting on the ride. You don’t ‘graduate’ for leadership, it is the actual journey that makes you one.
