9 Ways You Can Position Yourself As A Leader (Even When You Are Not In Charge)

9 Ways You Can Position Yourself As A Leader (Even When You Are Not In Charge)

By Lilian Wamaitha

Nobody is born a leader.

You don’t need a title or a big position to be a leader.

What makes you a leader is not defined by the role you play at your work place or in your life. You don’t need to boss people around to be regarded as a leader.

Here are traits that make you a leader no matter how low the position you hold is. If you already have these traits then that means you are already a leader, if not, you need to start cultivating these traits in your life.

1. Keep raising your own standards

One way to cultivate leadership even when you are not a leader is to keep doing more. And in doing more, strive to do better and cultivate a spirit of excellence.

Go beyond and above your call of duty.

And on whatever you do, do it to your very best.

2. Offer solutions instead of concentrating on problems

It’s very easy to just see the problems but great leaders are those despite of this, offer solutions.

If it’s at work, don’t be the person who points out problems to others. Be that one person who works hard to find a solution instead.

This way people will start perceiving you as a leader and they will start coming to you for solutions.

3. Share what you know

One of the traits that employers want in their employees is the ability to function as a team.

Don’t be selfish. If you believe in helping others be the best they can be and share what you know can get them there, you are already a leader.

4. Become an effective communicator

Effective communication is not all about talking but listening to what others have to say.

One of the ways you can demonstrate leadership is by becoming an effective communicator.

When you talk with clarity and listen to learn, people will be drawn to what you say and how you say it and will start seeing you as the leader you are.

5. Become a connector

Leadership is all about cultivating relationships.

If you want to be seen as one, start connecting with like-minded people and connecting others with each other.

6. Have a voice

Leaders are people who defend values no matter what and purpose to inspire others to achieve success.

For instance at work, you can inspire others by leading with example and offering solutions where they are due.

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7. You stay calm in the midst of storm

There are two kinds of people in the world – those who panic when things do to go well and those who stay calm no matter what.

If you want to be a leader, remain unique. Stay calm no matter what is going on. If you hear people are losing their jobs, instead of hopping on the panic train, remain calm.

That way you are more composed to think of a way forward and how to turn the situation around.

8. You don’t take things personally

Are you the kind of person who doesn’t take things personally?

If you respond rationally rather than emotionally even if you don’t like someone’s tone or the words they use, then you are a leader.

9. Lead by example

Leaders lead by example.

They don’t preach water and drink wine.

If you want to be perceived as a leader, learn how to be accountable for your own actions. Don’t blame others when things don’t go right.

Let others learn from your ability to stand by your own decisions.

Like I said, nobody is born a leader. You don’t need a big position or your own office to be seen as a leader. You may have all these but if you don’t cultivate the above traits, you are just another person in the room. Let others see you as a leader not by who you are but by how you carry yourself around other people.

Lilian is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. If you have any question, email lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

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