Leaders are always on the lookout for their replacements. It’s a key part of their job responsibilities. They know they need to identify future leaders who can motivate and engage teams in support of the company’s mission. The conundrum for professionals who want to move into leadership is the challenge of exhibiting leadership behaviors without having a team to lead.
To Be Seen As A Leader, Model Leadership Behaviors Visibly
Of course, there are many leadership roles that get filled by individual contributors. That’s because those individuals act like leaders regardless of their job title. To be seen as a leader, exhibit the behaviors, skills, and mindsets that senior leaders look for as signs of leadership potential. Here are nine key behaviors that will show those around you that you’re ready for a leadership role.
1. Leaders Are Self-Aware
The first step in Daniel Goleman’s emotional intelligence model is becoming self-aware. This is also the first step in the personal branding process. It’s an essential foundational element for authentic leadership. Although most of us believe we’re self-aware, research shows that only 10–15% of people truly are. If you aspire to lead, invest time in getting to know yourself and the six drivers of your personal brand: your values, passions, differentiators, superpowers, purpose, and goals.
Be self-reflective, then solicit feedback from others to get clear on how you’re perceived and where you add the most value. Once you’re self-aware, you can begin to understand others on a deeper, more emotional level.
2. Leaders Ask Powerful Questions
Leaders know that it’s usually better to be able to ask the right questions than to have all the answers. They use thoughtful, strategic questions to move projects forward and keep conversations focused on the big picture.
Asking questions has another benefit. It sends the message that your opinion matters. This creates a more collaborative environment where everyone feels they are a valued part of the project. Asking powerful questions, like these, not only helps uncover better solutions but also builds trust.
3. Leaders Practice Micro-Generosity
Authentic leaders are generous with their time and praise. They know that small acts of kindness (micro generosity) can have a big ripple effect in their organization. They go out of their way to acknowledge their people for their contributions, and understand that delivering sincere praise in front of others is even more impactful. Rather than tout their own achievements, they focus on recognizing others and including them in their wins.
4. Leaders Are Change Agents
Leaders don’t just embrace change, they initiate and champion it. They know that change is a constant and that getting out in front of change creates competitive advantage. When you take a proactive approach to change, you’re sending a signal to your boss and other leaders that you prioritize growth and innovation. That means being curious and staying on top of trends in your industry. It also involves learning new skills and pursuing best practices in your job function.
5. Leaders Know How To Manage Up
Unless you’re the CEO, you have a boss to manage (and even CEOs manage board members). Managing up is an important skill that all leaders master. When you align your work with what matters most to your boss, you make their job easier and show that you’re aligned. One of a manager’s most important responsibilities is to keep the team engaged and focused on moving the mission forward. When you support your manager’s efforts to build a cohesive, connected, and committed team, you make it easier for your manager while demonstrating your leadership potential.
6. Leaders Make Their Mark In Meetings
Meetings are among the most powerful work activities for showcasing your leadership potential. They provide a forum for spotlighting your work, highlighting your unique contributions, and conveying your big-picture approach to your role. Meetings are also where decision makers get to see who has a leadership mindset and engages in meetings strategically. Leaders know that meetings are how business moves forward. Yet, we have all been in meetings that seem like they’re impeding progress rather than enabling it. Become the person who makes meetings more productive, inclusive, and engaging, and you’ll be easy to spot. Use meetings to acknowledge others, ask strategic questions, and show teammates and stakeholders that they belong.
7. Leaders Are Storytellers
Effective leaders are skilled storytellers. They know how powerful stories are in creating emotional connections. Leaders tell stories that illustrate key points and make data relatable. They understand that stories are more memorable than stats and facts. To show off your storytelling skills, prepare stories that reinforce your message and engage your audience. Storytelling is a superpower that’s relevant regardless of where you are in your career. It helps you inspire others and increase your influence.
8. Leaders Take A People-First Approach
When someone becomes a leader, their success depends less on their individual expertise and more on their ability to connect with and motivate people. People-first leaders focus on the mission and on those who help bring that mission to life. They make time to understand what drives each team member, ensuring everyone feels seen, valued, and included. They give the people on their team their undivided attention. Authentic leaders foster environments where people can be themselves and do their best work. They build teams that are cohesive and purpose-driven.
9. Leaders Amplify Others
“Lift as you climb” is a powerful four-word challenge from suffragist and civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell. It’s a challenge that authentic leaders gladly accept. True leaders lift others as they move up in the organization. They share credit generously, mentor emerging talent, and advocate for their peers and team members. They understand that leadership is about empowerment, not wielding power. When you highlight others’ strengths, share opportunities, and celebrate team wins, you build loyalty and credibility. That’s the kind of leader people want to follow.
Show That You Are A Leader Before You Get The Title
To get promoted into a leadership role, start acting like a leader today. Leaders notice people who exemplify the qualities they value most. Whether you manage people or projects, your behavior can communicate that you’re ready to lead. Model these nine traits consistently, and before long, you won’t have to tell anyone you’re a leader because they’ll be able to see it.
William Arrudais a keynote speaker, author, and personal-branding pioneer. He speaks on branding, leadership, and virtual presentation mastery. Join his free online session, Deliver Captivating Meetings & Presentations.
