Ready for Leadership? 9 Things to Keep in Mind When Looking to Step Up

If you're reading this, you're likely aiming to move up in your career and get a leadership role.

You're confident that leadership is for you, have delivered outstanding results, and everyone in the company knows you as a top performer.

You've got two options:

1. work towards a leadership role at your current company, or
2. explore options elsewhere

I can almost hear you saying, "But Renata, landing that first leadership role feels like climbing Everest, especially when my leadership experience is zero!"

I hear you. It's frustrating when you're ready to step up but finding it hard to demonstrate your leadership experience in applications and interviews.

So, let's explore your options.

Moving up in your current organisation might seem easier. They know you, you know them, and companies often like promoting from within to show career growth.

But, it depends. Sometimes, internal roles aren't available, and you might need to look outside.

No matter if you're chasing your first leadership role inside or outside your company, you need to

Understand WHY you want to lead

• Do you want to inspire and develop others?
• Improve the work environment?
• Have ideas to grow the business?
• Are you ready to pitch business plans, train others, and own your results?
• Are you ready to face the challenges of leadership?

If you're nodding along, keep reading.

1. Shift Your Perspective from Self-Focused to Supporting Others

Once you know what motivates you to become a leader, the next step is to shift your focus from just your own achievements to supporting, enabling, and inspiring others to do their best.

2. Listen Actively and Communicate Effectively

To make this shift happen, focus on improving your effective communication.

A great leader shares their vision clearly and gets the team involved. It's not just about talking - it's about really listening to get what others need and care about.

Try out active listening with your team, or even with friends and family at home. Really be there in conversations.

That’s the key difference between just "hearing" and actually "listening".

There are plenty of free effective communication tools and resources online.

You can also consider attending communication group workshops, or public speaking courses. Getting feedback on your communication style and effectiveness is the best way to improve.

3. Get Involved in Cross-Functional Projects

Become "famous" in your organisation by consistently taking initiative and ownership.

This means stepping beyond your current job description and taking on additional responsibilities that allow you to demonstrate your leadership potential.

You can start by volunteering for cross-functional projects, for example.

By doing so, you show you're willing to go above and beyond your regular responsibilities.

Don't forget to document your achievements and track the impact of your efforts in measurable ways so you have evidence of your leadership.

This way, you'll have proof when discussing your career goals with senior management.

4. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Network, network, network.

Build a support network within the company of people who can advocate for you.

Find a mentor who can offer feedback and help you navigate the complexities of advancing in your organisation.

Also, network externally. Attend events, conferences, and join professional groups to expand connections and stay updated on industry trends.

5. Use Coaching

Coaching can be a powerful way to prep for a promotion, whether it’s in your current organisation or elsewhere.

A good coach offers personalised support and helps keep you accountable as you work towards moving up.

Plus, a coach can guide you through office politics, help you build important relationships, and tackle any obstacles that might come in your way.

6. Make Learning Your Daily Mantra

Stay curious and open-minded.

Always be on the lookout for opportunities to learn more and pick up new skills.

Why not sign up for some leadership courses?

Lots of companies provide these as part of employee training and education, or they might cover course costs or have budgeted for each employee's professional development.

If you don't ask, you don't get!

7. Be Vocal About Your Leadership Goals

Own your career aspirations and act like a leader already!

Be proactive and support your manager. Reach out to other seniors and ask for a project to lead. Show your support for your current leader, too.

Let people know about your ambitions.

Offer to train, mentor, or guide a teammate or a newcomer.

Keep an eye out for internal or future opportunities. You need to show some initiative!

8. Be Strategic and Speak Up for Yourself

Share your career goals and aspirations with your manager or HR team.

Schedule regular catch-ups to discuss your growth plan and openly express your interest in leadership roles within the company.

Be prepared to talk about your achievements, and why you're ready for more responsibility.

By speaking up for yourself and your career, you become more visible and show your dedication to growing and succeeding.

9. Document Your Impact

Keep track of your accomplishments, especially where you've exceeded expectations, solved complex problems, or contributed to significant outcomes.

Use metrics and data to show the impact of your work and how you drive results.

With this evidence documented, you'll be all set to pitch your achievements and their impact on the organisation.

How Peter Climbed the Corporate Ladder to Leadership

Peter, a software engineer specialising in AI development, reached out to me to help him get into a more senior/leadership role outside his current company. When we started the coaching, we dove deeper into his current situation at his existing company, dynamics with the team, his manager, and other seniors.

Although he initially reached out to me to get his first leadership role externally, through regular coaching sessions, we created a plan to do it within his current company. He really enjoyed his current company, peers, and the overall vibe. When I asked him why he was looking externally, his response was, "Well, there are no opportunities in the company."

We strategised and created a plan. After three weeks of building and cultivating a support network of the "right" people inside the organisation, he took the initiative to lead a cross-functional project. By driving this project, he showed ownership, proactiveness, and commitment. He led an initiative that was outside his job description, made informed decisions, owned the project, and was accountable not only for his own tasks but also for the entire project team.

The project was successful. His success not only improved company processes but also positioned him as an emerging leader, leading to his promotion to Project Director.

Peter's story shows that often we look for something complicated, but the opportunity might be just in front of us.

Build Your Leadership Foundation

If Peter's story resonates with you and you're thinking about moving into a leadership role, let me coach you.

With personalised one-on-one sessions, we'll pinpoint areas for growth and develop strategies to get you promotion-ready.

I can help you navigate office politics, build key relationships, and tackle any challenges that come in the way.

Book a discovery call with me today and let's build your leadership foundation.

?? Book your free discovery coaching call here ??

Have a successful work week,

Renata