Council Post: How To Stop Following And Start Leading

Some say that there are two types of people: leaders and followers. The reality is, we fit both of those roles at some point in our lives. Becoming a good leader means you can understand where you thrive and build on your experiences. 

I know it’s not always easy to step into a leadership role, especially if it’s not a formal promotion. Maybe your goal is to build your confidence and skill set so you can eventually apply for a management position. Whatever your reason, it’s essential to know what it takes to get out of a follower mindset and into the shoes of a leader. 

With this thought in mind, let’s take a look at several ways you can follow less and lead more. 

Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

The first thing you need to do is think about your strengths and weaknesses. Leaders are experts in their industries, so understanding where they excel is crucial to their success. 

There are quite a few exercises you can do that will help you figure out your strong areas. You could start writing down your goals for the day and your thoughts on each project. At first, this may not seem helpful. But if you spend time reading over your notes as you put in more entries, you may start to identify patterns in your thinking or behavior. 

Alternatively, you can look at past feedback from peers or managers and use it to reflect on your actions. The takeaway here is that self-awareness will always help you identify things that may otherwise go over your head. Don’t be afraid if you’re not the best at something specific in your industry. You can spend time around people who are experienced in that area and gradually improve your weaknesses. 

Spend time supporting others.

Another trait that all good leaders have is they know how to support others. People in management positions should always strive to see the people they work with grow personally and professionally. 

Both team and individual support are essential for building a company with a good culture. Thank people personally for their contributions or help, and then publicly thank them through your company’s online chat channel. 

These small gestures go a long way toward building rapport with your co-workers and improving your confidence as you transition to a leadership position. 

Openly share your ideas.

Do you have a great idea that will streamline workflow for the team? If so, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with the managers on your team. When leaders of a company are looking for someone to help them lead, they usually look for people who have good ideas. 

If you’re keeping ideas to yourself due to lack of confidence or fear of public speaking, practice talking to people. You could do something simple like pitch your idea to friends or family first so they can help you identify questions or concerns that may come up. 

In a professional setting, sharing your ideas with others will help distinguish you from everyone else in the room. And standing out from the crowd is something you need to do as a leader. 

Don’t let it go to your head.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that you’re going to feel good when things start falling into place. The exhilaration of building your confidence and reaching your goals is unmatched. However, you can’t let it go to your head. 

There’s a big difference between a kind leader versus one with a bad attitude. If you’re cocky, act like other people’s opinions don’t matter and don’t show a willingness to grow, you will struggle to lead the people around you. 

Instead, focus on growing as a person while helping those around you. Build your skills and confidence, and learn from your mistakes. Don’t let fears stop you from speaking up. You have the power to become a great leader; you just have to take the first steps.