How can you position yourself as a leader if you’re not in a leadership role (e.g. an intern)?
Just because you are not an executive in a company does not mean that positioning yourself as a leader is off limits. Stepping outside of the classroom and into the office building can be intimidating, but don’t let that be your weakness. Your first “real” job can offer you the chance to position yourself as a powerful influence and key player.
In order to become an asset to a company you have to demonstrate a level of confidence that exudes leadership. Taking a leadership role is easier to come by if you have an outgoing, charismatic personality, but that is not essential. What is essential, however, is that people trust you and are inspired by your vision.
An article in Forbes Women titled “Learning to be a Leader” talks about Niki Leondakis, COO of Kimptom Hotels, who describes her current leadership style as inclusive; a key word that frequently comes up in discussions about female leadership. I agree with the article, which argues that in today’s society there is a greater need to build relationships. This means that those leadership roles are begging females to fill them.
I will leave you with some tips that Forbes Women argues will sharpen your leadership skills:
Be Self-Aware
Determine what your personality and motives for your behavior are so you can begin to influence other people—after all that is what you are trying to accomplish as a leader.
Make Sure Your Values Align
To be successful at leading, it is imperative to believe in the company you work for and what it stands for. If you are confident in yourself and in the company’s mission, people will take notice, latch on to your ideas, and follow your example.
Pay attention to how your company identifies success
Keep your eyes and ears open; observe how others take on leadership roles and try to take note of who is being rewarded and why. Don’t necessarily copy what they do, but learn from them and try to adapt a piece or portion of how they lead and come up with your own version.
Related Articles
What is a Gen-Y Leader? by Tyler J. Durbin
What Gives You the Right to be a Young Leader? By Rebecca Thorman
What Makes a Dynamic Leader? By Larraine Segil
–Mariah Herman, Account Executive
