Why Leading From Where You Are Is So Important to Your Career

I often say: “Lead from where you are.” Here’s how I like to think about it:

Leadership isn’t about title or authority. It’s the energy and purpose by which you lead yourself each day and how you serve others.

Approaching leadership this way means everyone can lead regardless of their role in the organization. It’s more than an opportunity—it’s your responsibility. In addition to the joy that comes from serving your purpose, this is the single best way that you can advance your career.

Stop waiting for a magical moment to be a leader. Your time is now.

Here are five ways to lead from where you are.

Use Your Voice

First things first, remember you were hired for a reason. The organization believed in your potential, so you have to believe in yourself, too. Your voice matters at work and it’s up to you to figure out how to use it to add value to others.

One way to build confidence and overcome imposter syndrome is to learn about your work and your industry, so you possess a stronger knowledge base. In addition to understanding your role, spend time learning what everyone else in the organization does. Try to find ways to connect the dots or collaborate across teams.

Speak up when you can add a new perspective to a conversation. You will not know all the answers, but no one expects you to. Most importantly, practice all of this over time.

Keep Learning

Successful leaders are lifelong learners. Even when you are at the top of your field, things are always changing and it’s on you to advance your knowledge. Whether that is through reading, podcasts, seminars, develop your skills.

Continue learning because you believe that you can achieve more and help contribute more.

Set Personal Goals

I hope you set annual goals with your boss (if not, asking to do so is an immediate contribution you can make for your growth and that of the organization). You should also set goals for personal milestones.

Think through:

What do you want to achieve?

How long will it take you?

What will success look like for you?

Why is this important to you?

If you don’t know where you are going, it can be hard to get there. Be sure to consider how you will celebrate your outcomes and your progress.

I’m a big believer in writing down your goals. This year, I’ve also practiced sharing my goals (out loud—eek!) with friends and in networking conversations. In that spirit, one of my goals this year is to speak at a national women’s conference. After all, leadership is being clear on what you stand for and involving others.

Raise Your Hand for Projects

There’s a misconception that leadership means things just happen for you. Rather, you create your own opportunities. Raise your own hand. Tell your boss that you’d be interested in taking on an additional challenge and share your ideas. If you’re feeling unsure what the right project is for you, consider which activities bring you the most energy. Bring enthusiasm to the work that you do, whatever you do.

When you raise your hand or suggest something you’d like to work on, know that not all ideas are created equal. Keep in mind the concept of “wise productivity.” If you volunteer for a project that benefits you without understanding how it will affect other people, you’ve missed the mark. If you overdo your efforts to support the organization to your own detriment, you won’t be successful either. The key is to identify opportunities that balance your skills, strengths, and goals with the organization’s needs.

Support Your Colleagues

Leadership means serving others. People underestimate how much power they have. You may not be able to change your organization at a macro level, but everyone has the power to affect others in a positive way. Cheer your colleagues on when they are successful. High five them when they secure a new client, send them a note when they’re having a tough day, acknowledge their accomplishments to their boss. Their success does not diminish you in any way.

Even if you’re not leading a team, don’t wait until you’re in a position of authority to help care for and mentor others.

Over time, you will be seen as the employee who can contribute to the team in many ways, by sharing ideas, leading projects, and being a compassionate colleague. Here’s the secret: As you progress on your leadership journey, your success is truly based on your team’s success.

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