You're not being given the chance to lead. What are the most important things to do?

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

The first step is to honestly evaluate your own performance and identify your areas of improvement. Ask yourself: What are the core competencies and behaviors that are expected from leaders in your organization? How do you measure up against them? What feedback have you received from your manager, peers, and clients? What are the gaps that you need to address? Be specific and realistic about your strengths and weaknesses, and create a plan to develop them.

2 Communicate your aspirations

The next step is to communicate your leadership aspirations to your manager and other key stakeholders. Don't assume that they know what you want or what you're capable of. Schedule a meeting with your manager and express your interest in taking on more leadership responsibilities. Share your achievements, your goals, and your development plan. Ask for their support, guidance, and feedback. Also, network with other leaders in your organization and let them know about your value proposition and your career aspirations. Show them that you're eager to learn from them and collaborate with them.

3 Seek out opportunities

The third step is to seek out opportunities to demonstrate your leadership skills and potential. Don't wait for them to come to you. Look for projects, initiatives, or tasks that align with your strengths, goals, and interests. Volunteer to lead or contribute to them. Show initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Deliver results and exceed expectations. Also, look for opportunities to mentor, coach, or support others in your team or department. Show that you can inspire, motivate, and empower others.

4 Showcase your impact

The fourth step is to showcase your impact and influence as a leader. Don't be shy or modest about your accomplishments. Document your achievements and share them with your manager, peers, and clients. Highlight the outcomes and benefits of your work, not just the activities and processes. Use data, testimonials, and stories to illustrate your value. Also, showcase your impact by giving presentations, writing articles, or participating in events that showcase your expertise and thought leadership. Build your reputation and credibility as a leader.

5 Handle challenges gracefully

The final step is to handle challenges gracefully and professionally. You may face obstacles, setbacks, or resistance in your leadership journey. You may encounter criticism, conflict, or competition. Don't let these discourage you or derail you. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. Be resilient, adaptable, and positive. Seek feedback, accept responsibility, and apologize when needed. Also, handle challenges by seeking support, advice, or coaching from your manager, mentors, or peers. Don't isolate yourself or suffer in silence.

You're not being given the chance to lead. What are the most important things to do? These are the five steps that can help you change that. By following them, you can demonstrate your leadership potential, increase your visibility, and create your own opportunities.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?