Leadership/Achievement/Work

10 Effective Ways to be Recognized as a Leader When You’re Not the Boss

Adopting a professional attitude and mindset is part of being successful

There are plenty of employees with several years of experience who are ready to move up and assume the responsibility of a mid-level manager.

But logistics, budgets, and re-organizations can often hamper a career path. A successful rise to a position of authority and responsibility can be anything but a straight line, and there are often times when an extended stay in an inferior position is necessary while waiting for internal circumstances, the economy, or expansion plans to present an opportunity to move up.

However, just because you don’t have the title or the official authority of a leader, it doesn’t mean you can’t assume the role.

First, let’s make sure we understand the concept of leadership

To acquire the reputation of a leader, you must be recognized as a leader. Leadership status is acquired when others recognize you demonstrating the character, actions, and thinking of someone who is a step ahead — someone who is focused on the bigger picture and is concerned about the performance and success of others.

In short, you “become” a leader because of your influence, not from the result of a title or promotion.

Yes, those with superior level authority will expect others to acknowledge the privilege and entitlement associated with their senior position. But unless they exhibit the qualities of a leader, they will never experience the level of admiration, loyalty, and appreciation reserved for those who manage their subordinates with respect and consideration.

So how can you demonstrate your leadership potential? How do you build a reputation as the go-to guy or gal when someone needs objective and intelligent advice?

Some of the following suggestions are about attitude and emotional maturity. Others are specific actions you can take to establish yourself as someone who is at the top of their game — a professional who sets the standard within your company and your industry.

1. Make it clear to co-workers and supervisors that you support the company’s programs, policies, and people

Even when you don’t personally agree with the company’s current direction. Never give the impression that you intend to subvert, undermine, or work around the boss. The company pays the bills, and they are at the helm.

Management’s decisions are often made with the benefit of information their subordinates simply don’t have. So regardless of the topic or subject under discussion, always stay in emotional control — which is especially important when the news is negative. Keeping a steady hand on the wheel is the mark of a leader, and as I’ve said before, someone is always watching.

2. Always present a positive image

You want to be seen as the guy or gal who’s great to be around. Establish the habit of providing an uplifting word or a positive message in your communication with others, especially when times are challenging.

During my stint as co-owner of a large photography company, I often accompanied the salesperson when she called on school administration officials to present our products and services. Time and time again, I’d see a sign placed over the doorway of many of the offices. The message was always the same: “Attitude is Everything.” It’s a simple concept, but it’s hard to overestimate its power.

Conversely, do your best to avoid gossip and conversations that typically take place around the water cooler. Make it a point to stay out of discussions involving rumor and conjecture. A leader doesn’t stir up discontent or say anything to intentionally raise the anxiety level of other employees. If you’re asked to comment on the latest rumor, simply say you don’t know anything about it.

3. Make it a point to compliment others

Offering praise and feedback to co-workers and subordinates — both privately and in front of supervision and management — is an extremely powerful way to create loyalty. If you see someone’s work improve, they deserve recognition.

And always keep your compliments on a professional level: You noticed their reports are more accurate, their data is easier to interpret, or their level of productivity has improved.

And NEVER criticize another co-worker in front of others. If the boss privately asks you what you think of another employee, use tact and diplomacy, indicating the future can always hold room for improvement.

4. Promote a team concept

Never miss an opportunity to share credit for your success. Even if it’s nothing more than acknowledging the administrative staff for their help in putting together a presentation, always include everyone who was involved in the process.

Yes, we all have the desire to be individually recognized for our accomplishments and to receive the accolades that go with it. But corporate super-stars are quick to burn out, while team players tend to stay in the game much longer.

Leaders understand the advantages of team building, and the process of directing and utilizing the talents and abilities of multiple individuals rather than focusing on one super-star.

5. Volunteer to help others

If you see a co-worker struggling with an assignment, suggest references, sources of expertise, or ask if breaking the problem into smaller parts might help. Avoid doing the work for them, but if you see obvious mistakes or their approach is off-target, point out the problem or conflict — then offer to review their work before they continue.

Why go to all the extra effort? If a co-worker or subordinate’s performance is sub-standard, your manager probably knows it — and your efforts to help them will not go unnoticed.

6. Help with new hire orientation

If you’re ready to step up and take more responsibility, ask your supervisor if you can help acquaint new hires with policy, procedures, and office rules. When explaining the specific ways in which you can contribute, offer to be the first point of contact to answer questions, resolve a problem, or obtain advice. If acceptable to your supervisor, the new hires will see you as having leadership responsibility — and your boss will love you for it.

7. Attend all company events and functions, whether business-related or social

Your absence from a company event will be conspicuous — and not something you want others to notice. Corporate social functions are often used as a testing ground to see who rises to the top, handles themselves well, and demonstrates leadership ability.

8. Present an in-house seminar or training class for customers or staff

This is one of the most powerful actions you can take to bring attention to yourself as a leader. Don’t expect any additional compensation. But most supervisors will allow you to use company time for preparation and delivery if you can show how the content of the program will translate into increased sales, greater productivity, a more positive work environment, or a reduction of company liability.

Another variation of this is to attend seminars and participate in online education programs. These can be company-sponsored or independently produced. Then volunteer to teach a similar class to other employees. If appropriate, you can offer to present the material to customers, modifying the content or curriculum to make it more suitable or applicable for the specific audience.

Remember to respect the originality of the work by citing the author or source, and avoid copying or duplicating original training materials without permission. Concepts and ideas are seldom afforded copyright protection, but the actual material used to convey those ideas and concepts usually are protected.

9. Create an industry blog featuring your company’s products, services, and applications

When you’re ready to scale your influence, invite customers, employees, your supervisor, and industry influencers to write guest posts on your blog. To be effective, you’ll need to post something new at least once a week. Make sure your boss understands that you do this during your off-hours to alleviate any concerns over subordinating your core job responsibilities to writing the blog.

If you want even more personal visibility, try sending out a short, daily email with tips and ideas for increasing productivity while reducing wasteful or ineffective, time-consuming activities.

10. Make sure your efforts are noticed

That means making your boss aware of your on-going contribution. One of the best ways is to include your supervisor in correspondence –both internal and external to the company. For example, if you write a short note to another employee thanking them for their help, copy the boss. Keep the content positive and offer praise for those who made a contribution.

Use the same process to acknowledge the efforts of a team leader, division supervisor, or other managers to acknowledge a contribution that directly affected your team, division, or customers. And always copy your boss when sending positive comments to a customer.

Quick side note: Never put anything negative about a customer in writing. That includes email and texting, even if your comments are supposedly for internal use only. Yes, you may need to define or explain a problem or challenge you’re experiencing. But always frame the message in a positive light, citing the benefits and advantages of working through the difficulties and how you’re already making progress with a transition to a stronger, more productive business relationship.

These suggestions will mean devoting more time and energy to your work-day

But it’s an investment in your career. And it can pay off in promotions, raises, and even new job offers from other companies within your industry.

Above all, don’t overlook the influence your co-workers can have on your future success. Always be patient, courteous, and friendly. Talking down to a co-worker or being belligerent can earn you the reputation of a jerk — or worse, an arrogant jerk. Instead, learn the birthdays of your fellow employees and send them a card. Congratulate them on promotions and advancements.

Your co-workers know and will typically influence many people in and outside the company — and one of those people could be a vital link to a better position if and when you decide to look for a better job.

Take-Away

Adopting a professional attitude and mindset is part of being successful as an employee. And in the eyes of management, demonstrating those qualities consistently is the hallmark of a leader, someone who is responsible, dedicated, and promotable — the very attributes you want to convey to those who can do the most for your career.

Roger A. Reid is the author of Better Mondays: The New Rules for Creating Financial Success and Personal Freedom (While Working for the Man)

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