Behaviors You Can Embrace Today to be a Leader (Even if You Don’t Have the Title)

My fall Leadership class collaborated on this list of behaviors that build their leadership influence. Together, they highlighted behaviors that can be enacted TODAY even if without the title of “leader.” Well done, class! Do you agree with their list? What would you add?

Behaviors You Can Embrace Today to be a Leader (Even if You Don’t Have the Title)

- What you think about yourself: -
* Have confidence in yourself, your abilities, your voice, and your uniqueness.
* Demonstrate openness and willingness to adapt to people and situations.
* Engage in a positive mindset and positive self-talk.
* Recognize and name your own emotions and the emotions of others.

- How you invest in yourself: -
* Take time for self-care.
* Find a mentor.
* Know your boundaries.
* Recognize the sources of your power and the power dynamics that exist in the organization.
* Know your values and ethics and always stay true to those.

- How you empower others: -
* Communicate, communicate, communicate (effectively).
* Be willing to listen to feedback and communicate constructive feedback.
* Learn different perspectives, listen well (pause for 5 seconds before responding).
* Build trust among team members by doing what you say you’re going to do.

- How you show up in meetings: -
* When you are in a meeting, encourage participation, ask feedback, summarize what was agreed, take notes, assign tasks, and follow up.
* Make sure every voice is heard in a group discussion – especially the quiet voices.
* Know when to jump in and take control; when to facilitate the conversation and when to initiate problem solving.

Caleb Chapman, Guillermo Garron Menacho, Bruno Lopez-Boado San Martin, Judy McIntosh, Kristine Mehlbye, Aidan Nugent, Wilson Owens, Emilija Prolic, Olivia Thompson, Alyssa Zwiebel