Do you believe you need a fancy title, such as a manager or director, to exhibit leadership qualities?
Think again.
In the earlier stages of my career, the idea of “leading from any seat” seemed almost implausible, because my initial understanding of leadership was rooted in the traditional “command and control” model.
However, as I progressed, I realized that genuine leadership is primarily about your personal mindset and self-awareness. Once you grasp these facets, your interactions and actions with others come into play.
This realization transforms leadership into something paradoxical: it becomes both simpler and more intricate. It’s simpler because leadership isn’t bound by titles, and it’s intricate because it demands more than just decision-making. Delving deep into the leadership mindset is an expansive journey, but the first step can be taken today.
Here are three “leading from any seat” strategies you can implement immediately:
1) Tune In… to Yourself
At the onset of any meeting, spare a moment for introspection. Ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Recognize your emotions and state of mind without rushing to change it. If you sense any tension, anxiety, or even tranquility, take a few deep breaths. This small act can reshape your entire demeanor in the meeting.
2) Observe… the Dynamics
During meetings, shift your focus from just the content. Observe the participants and the flow of the conversation. Capturing these nuanced dynamics allows you to make more informed contributions, ensuring that the meeting’s objective is achieved effectively.
3) Endorse and Amplify
Have you ever witnessed a solid suggestion getting overshadowed by silence? When you resonate with a point, voice your agreement. As a former leadership team member, I realized that supporting my colleagues, even with a simple affirmation like “I agree,” fostered quicker and more effective consensus.
Adopting these practices can kickstart your leadership evolution, irrespective of your current position. By fostering self-awareness, observing group dynamics, and championing collaborative ideas, you can embody leadership in every interaction and redefine what it means to lead, regardless of titles or hierarchies. This is the essence of true leadership – an inner drive that seeks growth, facilitates collaboration, and leaves a lasting impact.
