How to be a leader even without the title
Have you ever thought, "I wish I could do something about this"? Do you often question how we could do things differently - perhaps better? Do you want to see change happen? Do you want to be an agent for that change?
And if these ideas cross your mind, do you follow up those thoughts and desires with, "It's not up to me. I'm not a leader. I'll wait for the time I actually become a leader, when _____"? That blank could be "I get a job with the right title" or "I achieve the status of being recognized" or "I am old enough."
I filled in that blank with all those reasons and more. These were stories I've told myself for years. They prevented me from taking action. I finally realized that they are really excuses that allowed me to procrastinate doing the hard things. And sometimes simply doing the hard things makes me a leader.
It was really hard to see that - because the main thing that held me back from being a leader was simply not having a title. This lack of a title made me second guess my thoughts and resist my drive to take action. I found myself in limbo…simply waiting.
I've waited most of my professional career for the "when."
I've waited for the job win so that I can finally implement the changes I sought to make. I felt like my hands were tied until the opportunity to stand in front of an orchestra finally came my way. I've also waited for the validation from the industry so that I know my work and ideas are valuable. I didn't feel safe to speak out and share my ideas because who am I? Why should anyone listen to me if I don't have a title?
I was limited by this little thought of "I can do it only when I'm a leader by title."
So I waited and I regret waiting. I needed to turn this around.
***
In my journey of turning this around for myself, I've learned that we can all be leaders regardless of our status and rank, and even without a title.
It doesn't always have to be the glamorous kind of leadership. In fact, we don't usually feel the urge to change the world because we want fame and glory. We want to change the world because we know something can be better. And deep down, we believe we can do something about it. We must do something about it.
Here are 4 practices I've tried to help me overcome my tendency to wait until when:
Find and solve interesting problems - The key here is "interesting." When I allowed myself to be naturally drawn to problems I find interesting, I started to see obvious patterns. It showed me what change I actually cared about, and recognizing that was all the motivation I needed.
Take initiative to do what needs to be done - When I don't see something being done, I'd go and do it. I cared about those things too much to just sit on the sidelines. I realized that many people want to do things, but it's a giant leap toward actually taking action. I am one of those people. Like everyone, I'm afraid that I won't do it well. Then I remind myself, "Nobody's good at things they've never done before" (quote from unknown source).
Be trustworthy - Leading without a title can be so scary and initially rewardless. It's so easy to stop. I have to deliberately frame my actions around trust. I tell myself that I must show up consistently to do this work so that others can count on me - my word, commitment, and integrity. With time, that trust compounds.
Build community - First, I started with taking action to solve interesting problems. Then, I began to invite people who are like-minded to be a part of conversations to consider solutions. I realized that I unintentionally created space to allow those people who also had similar thoughts and desires to feel seen. The conversations we have are like none I've ever had, and I leave them feeling invigorated and encouraged - and feeling like I belonged to a group of people.
By practicing these 4 things consistently, I realize that I am indeed a leader. I don't need the title. And most importantly, I feel like a leader and nobody can take that feeling away.
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