Moving Beyond Level 1

Build your leadership influence

When we first start working with a new team (or with a new team member), the only thing they may know about us is our title.

If I am the “Project Manager” and they work on the project, they understand we have a leadership role. If I am “Department Head” and they have a job in that department, they understand we have that role, etc.

But leadership is much, much more than a position on the org chart. We can start growing our leadership influence in many different ways right from the start.

Be likeable. Be friendly, considerate, polite, caring, positive, etc.—a good person.

Show integrity. Don’t ever lie to them or in front of them. If you are in the office, never ask someone to “say I’m not here.” Follow through on your promises and commitments.

Be fair. Don’t play favorites or make someone into a scapegoat. Give everyone a chance to improve, contribute, or develop to their next level. Don’t reward success with extra work. Don’t pigeonhole people who may be capable of doing more.

Be competent. Know your stuff. Share your expertise, preferably without being braggy about it. Get things done well and on time. Your people will notice.

Invest in your people. Give them a chance to show you what they can do. Coach and mentor them to the next level. Send them to training that THEY want to do, since it will help them reach the professional success THEY want. Help them on the path to reaching their professional goals, including training your own replacement(s), so that you can continue to move up in the organization, too.

People will follow a project manager’s assignments while they are working on that project. People will follow an effective LEADER much longer, in many more spheres of life, and will have your back if you ever stumble.

(Photo by Yiran Ding on Unsplash)