Know about the Leadership theme – Putting We before Me
According to the experts, “It’s never foolish to begin preparing for a transition no matter how many years away it is or where you are in your career”
To become a leader one does not need fancy titles or the corner office, instead one can begin to act, think, and communicate like a leader even before the promotion. According to the experts, “It’s never foolish to begin preparing for a transition no matter how many years away it is or where you are in your career,” says Muriel Maignan Wilkins, coauthor of Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence.
Following this Michael Watkins, the chairman of Genesis Advisers and author of The First 90 Days and Your Next Move, agreed. Speaking about the same, planning helps one to develop the necessary skills and leadership presence. Furthermore, it improves the chances of getting the promotion because people will already recognize you as a leader. The key is to take on opportunities now, regardless of your tenure or role. “You can demonstrate leadership at any time no matter what your title is,” says Amy Jen Su, coauthor of Own the Room. Here are several ways to start laying the groundwork.
Furthermore, one should not let their ambitions get distracted by any means. “You still have to deliver results in your day job,” says Jen Su. Adds Maignan Wilkins: “You always need to take care of today’s business so that nobody — peers, direct reports, or those above you — questions your performance.” That’s the first step to getting ahead.
One of the important tips is that make sure your “let me take that on” attitude extends beyond your relationship with your boss. Raise your hand for new initiatives, especially ones that might be visible to those outside your unit. “This will give others a taste of what you’ll be like in a more senior role,” says Maignan Wilkins. It doesn’t have to be an intense, months-long project. It might be something as simple as facilitating a meeting, offering to help with recruiting events, or stepping in to negotiate a conflict between peers. You might find opportunities outside of work, too. You can sit on the board of a local nonprofit or organize your community’s volunteer day. “These activities send the signal that you aspire to leadership potential,” Watkins says.
