Establishing Yourself as a Leader at Work
Maybe you are already establishing yourself as a leader in some aspects of your life. Perhaps you always took the lead in group projects at school, and are now the captain of your adult softball team. You might be a natural-born leader. However, at work, you may struggle to find that same edge and confidence…
Maybe you are already establishing yourself as a leader in some aspects of your life.
Perhaps you always took the lead in group projects at school, and are now the captain of your adult softball team. You might be a natural-born leader.
However, at work, you may struggle to find that same edge and confidence that exists in your personal endeavors.
Others of us have lower levels of confidence and self-esteem. This can make being put in a leadership role painful and extremely challenging.
No matter the case, keep reading to learn four powerful strategies for establishing yourself as a leader at work, regardless of your starting point.
Plan Your Meetings
Meetings can be quite difficult to orchestrate in general. However, a meeting that isn’t well planned or planned at all makes the situation even worse.
If you are overseeing a meeting at work, take the time to make an agenda. Put thought into what needs to be covered and in what order these topics will be discussed.
Remember to email the agenda to all attendees ahead of time, so everyone knows what the expectations are and can come prepared.
Over Communicate When Establishing Yourself as a Leader
Make sure that you are communicating effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
You can even communicate about your communication.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions like, “Is there a way I can better communicate with you/the team?”
Effective communication strategies vary, and taking the time to learn how to better communicate will not only improve your skills, but others will appreciate your effort as well.
Know Your Weaknesses When Establishing Yourself as a Leader
Many people are familiar with their strengths.
Knowing their weaknesses, on the other hand, can be an uncomfortable spot on the road to self-improvement.
However, exploring your weaknesses will allow you to work towards changing them. You will also be better equipped to foresee where you might need help from others.
Asking for help is a powerful tool when the goal is to get the job done correctly the first time. There’s no reason to be afraid of using it.
Finish What You Start
It’s common to get halfway through a project and realize that you’re stuck.
Be sure to do whatever it takes to get unstuck, be it asking for help, taking a short break, or calling in reinforcements to get a fresh perspective.
No matter what though, finishing the project as best you can is extremely important.
Completing the project will show that you have dedication and determination, and that you aren’t willing to let a bump in the road keep you from seeing things through.
Developing leadership qualities at work is a worthwhile challenge.
Starting with these basic approaches, you can begin to build a resume of leadership skills, giving others faith in your ability, commitment, and follow you through.
Establishing yourself as a leader makes you a more valuable employee, as well as being more respected by your colleagues.
As a byproduct of this work, your job will become easier and more enjoyable. And that is a winning situation for all.
