If you want to be a leader, you need to act like a leader. Leaders take responsibility and communicate that things are under control. They act deliberately and demand respect. Leaders lead.
Here are 4 easy ways to begin establishing yourself as a leader.
Be present.
Leaders spend time with their tribe. Purposefully get to know your team in different venues.
Spend time with individuals, the entire team, and small groups. Spend time in meetings, in front of clients, and working together. Observe the dynamics and get to know what makes people tick. This will make you approachable, informed, and one of the team.
Ask questions.
Leaders know how to get the best out of their people by asking the right questions. Listen intently and gather as much information as you can. Navigate the conversation with follow-up questions.
The one who asks the questions controls the conversation. This approach communicates that you are in charge and value the opinions of others.
Introduce yourself.
Leaders go out of their way to integrate others into their tribe. Be the first to welcome the new employee or visitor to the office. Walk straight up, stick out your hand, and say, “I don’t think we’ve met yet.”
Proactively welcoming others expresses confidence and establishes yourself as someone who cares.
Pick up the tab.
Leaders take responsibility for taking care of others, especially their tribe. Reach for the check as soon as the waiter approaches the table with it. Picking up the tab communicates that you are in charge and have their best interest in mind.
Leadership is earned, not bestowed. Earning the right to lead starts with very simple actions. Taking these 4 minor steps will change both your mindset and the perception of those around you.