How To Become A Leader At Work

Hi SL Fabz,

It’s the start of another work week. I sure hope that you are all set to make it a fulfilling one.

Do you know that with the right attitude and a desire to learn, anyone can become a leader at work?

Being a leader does not necessarily mean you must be the head of the company or the Managing Director. You can still be a leader in your own team. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Communicate Effectively
This means listening is more important than talking. Maintain a strong physical and social presence with your team, as they’ll feel more managed than led if you do not actively spend time with them. This could be by making sure your desk is with them, or just dropping by every now and again to track their progress, but make sure you are consistent. Also, make sure that you are always available to offer your team help.

2. Build Relationships
Engage with people above and beneath you in the occupation hierarchy. As you build relationships with executives, you’ll increase your confidence. Don’t be intimidated by their title or influence. Also relate with people beneath you. They help you understand the company even better.  It’s important to see them as equal and to recognize the value and benefit of having them as advocates supporting your career.

3. Take Responsibility
If you want to be a leader at work, learn to take responsibility for anything that has your fingerprint on it. That means, as long as you participate in the project, you have a hand at the failure of the project. Learn to take responsibility for not just the good things, but even bad ones. Admit to your mistakes, it’s okay to be wrong. You cannot learn if you have not made any mistakes.

4. Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Sometimes, its good to try out things that make you feel uncomfortable. Take a few risks, do things that you believe in. Don’t be afraid to fail since failure can be one of the best teachers you’ll ever have. Take on a project that no one wants, assume responsibility and prove to your co-workers that you are a great leader.

5. Establish Rules & Follow Them Through
It is essential you establish some form of boundaries with regard to your professional relationships, as well as what you expect from your team, whether it be office courtesy, productivity, or out-of-office conduct. A leader who has a clear directive as to what they expect and what they wish for their team to achieve is much easier to follow and to respect than someone who is unsure as to what they intend to do.

6. Stay Positive
Finally, be positive and offer solutions. You’ll build your own self-confidence and earn the confidence of your superiors if you offer positive solutions to problems.

I hope you have a great week and achieve your dreams!

xoxo

SL