Not all superheroes wear capes…and not all leaders carry a leadership title. Sometimes we are asked to lead an initiative or chair a committee with a team of people that are not our direct reports. Sometimes we must step up and take charge of a situation even when we are not called to simply because no one else is and the task at hand needs to get done. Whatever the situation may be, there are times that we are called to be a leader even when our title doesn’t reflect leadership. So, how do you lead in these situations and get others to follow you?
Building Credibility and Relationships
This should really start on day one. Building rapport with your colleagues doesn’t happen overnight, so it’s important to keep this in mind the minute you join a company or a firm. Be friendly and collegial with others – both up and down the chain of command in the legal department as well as across other departments. The same mentality as treating every person with respect that you interact with at a job interview should apply when you start the job, too. Show interest in their personal lives in addition to work related issues. And do good work! That is where the credibility aspect comes in – prove yourself in your everyday work and be willing to own up to a mistake if and/or when that happens. You will earn the respect of others quickly that way.
Pay Attention
It’s important to understand the inner workings of your company or firm. Pay attention to what departments are handling certain issues and who carries influence in the company. Develop a clear understanding of the chain of command and how decisions are made. These important nuggets of knowledge will come in handy.
Communicate Effectively
Communication is a key aspect of being a good leader in any situation. But especially when you are technically not a “manager” or leader by way of title. You want people to respect you and listen to you, but not to resent you. There can be a fine line here! Communicate in a friendly tone rather than authoritative. Emphasize teamwork and make requests from others rather than demands. While you are taking the lead, make sure you are giving credit where credit is due and not taking it all for yourself.
Create Shared Wins
Speaking of giving credit where credit is due…always approach success as a team effort. Create shared wins that you can communicate to others in the company or firm. The right messaging here is very important when it comes to earning respect from the colleagues that you are “leading” rather than inducing resentment. Use “we” when talking about the successes and outcomes – and also when talking about failure! Don’t single anyone out. It’s ok to talk about everyone’s specific role in the outcome as long as you mention everyone.
Find Your “Champion”
This should come easy if you cover the first point made – building credibility and relationships. Find someone you trust and have a good rapport with who can be your “champion” when you are put in a leadership position will make your life a lot easier. This person will talk you up and support you and can be your eyes and ears with the rest of your colleagues to let you know if there is anything you can do better.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Don’t let it go to your head! It can be very flattering when we are tasked with taking on a role of authority. But sometimes this can have a negative outcome. At the end of the day, you are still working with a group of your peers and the last thing you want is to act like you are better than they are because of it. Staying humble is very important. Also avoid “telling on” your peers to those who are in authority positions. This goes back to having a team mentality.
Influence is a skill, not something you are born with, which means anyone can achieve it! Don’t wait until you are put in a leadership role to start building these important leadership skills. Just portraying these skills will help you get noticed and perhaps help you achieve that leadership title you may be desiring.
