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Most of us think that leadership is an inherent quality; something you are either good at or not. Many of us also believe that working your way up the ladder will naturally prepare us for our newfound leadership positions, and weed out the unqualified candidates. Interestingly, almost all of us have had — or continue to have — a boss who we hate or feel lacks true leadership. The truth is, this individual has gone through the same process as the rest of us. In other words, leadership is like everything else: it takes effort and brainpower for success.
Here are a few places to start in building your image as a leadership figure at your job.
1. Integrity
Holding yourself to the same expectations as the rest of your coworkers seems easy enough, and almost anyone you ask will claim they do this every day. However, small slip-ups are easy. Going home early, delegating undesirable jobs to your underlings and other small abuses of your new power will immediately turn your team against you, and prove you an unfit example to follow. Instead, focus on living the same ideal you preach: be the first one to the office and the last one to leave. After all, you want to prove you made it into leadership by merit of your own hard work, not some favoritism or fluke in the system.
2. Approachability
Leading through intimidation may work in the short term, but it also builds animosity and resentment. Instead of bursting your team for their mistakes, make yourself available for questions and offer constructive criticism when necessary. This is not to say that frequent and repeated mistakes should be tolerated: part of any leadership role is also the responsibility to discipline those responsible for mistakes. However, being approachable — especially for newer hires who may feel out of their element — can help prevent these mistakes in the first place.
3. Humility
Be aware that you also make mistakes. Further, be willing to acknowledge these mistakes publicly when they occur. Don’t undermine yourself constantly over small details, and don’t second-guess your abilities — these will lead to questioning of your capabilities by both subordinates and superiors — but be ready to assume responsibility for your mistakes and ask forgiveness from those affected. By assuming you are above mistakes and what you say is instantly correct, you are setting a dangerous precedent for yourself in the workplace and opening yourself to ridicule when you fail. Instead, treat yourself lightly and build a company culture around mutual improvement.
4. Confidence
And of course, the oft-mentioned and poorly-defined word most used to describe effective leaders. True confidence comes from deep within, and it stems a bit from each of the other qualities listed above. To be confident means you believe in yourself and your ability to improve others, the company, and yourself — continuously. You build this by demonstrating the ethics and actions you preach, by connecting with your coworkers and helping them with their own struggles, and by accepting your own defeats and learning from them. Finally, you need to know yourself — your own shortcomings and your strengths. To truly embody confidence, check all of the boxes above and others will find themselves irresistibly drawn to you.
Leadership is as much a study as any other subject. By building your integrity, approachability, humility and confidence, you are participating in the study of yourself. All these qualities are difficult to grow unconsciously, and a careful observation of your own day-to-day actions will be necessary. Pay attention to how you treat others — especially those underneath you in the hierarchy. When the time comes, you want them to trust you and support you, helping to build a positive workplace in the process.
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Photo provided by the author.