Looking to Take on a Leadership Role? Follow These Career Tips

So you think you want to move into a leadership role? It’s going to be a challenge no matter how many years of experience you have. But you can begin to act, think, and communicate like a leader long before you get the title or the corner office. Follow these five tips to become a true leader and take control of your career!

Be a champion in your current role

Focus on the present and excel in your current role, even as you’re planning and visualizing your ambitions. You still have to deliver results in your day job. You never want anybody—colleagues, team members or managers—questioning your performance.

Be a right-hand man (or woman!)

It’s a cliché but it’s true: you have to show your boss that you’re willing to go the extra mile to fulfill his or her priorities. And to continue the metaphor, you have to prove that you’re willing to pick up the baton on important projects. Or, if you can figure out your manager’s biggest problems and concerns, try to come up with solutions.

Be a team player

Another cliché that you need to apply! Extend your “let me help you with that” attitude toward everyone on your team or in your department. Volunteer for new initiatives, offer to facilitate a meeting or ask if you can help with recruiting events.

Look for needs that aren’t being met

Every organization has problems that others aren’t willing to tackle or needs that nobody is paying attention to. Be the person to step up. Maybe you can identify a customer need that your company’s current product line isn’t meeting, and propose a new one. Do some analysis to see if a specific change would save the company time or money. Taking on a task that no one else wants to do, or hasn’t thought of, will make you stand out.

Be humble and discreet

If you have a great relationship with your manager, you can share your ambitions, but never make it all about you! Express them in a way that focuses on what’s best for the company, like, “I’m really interested in progressing in the company, so where do you see me making the most of my skills and contributions in the future?” If you have the type of manager who may feel threatened by your aspirations, keep your ambitions to yourself and prove your potential.

As you prepare to climb the career ladder, look for every opportunity to demonstrate your leadership potential! And if you feel you’re in a job that won’t support your goals, give Triumph a call. We can work with you to find the right company where your skills and talents can take you far!