You can become a good leader even when you're not managing a team. Each day offers opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills and gain more respect and a better reputation. If you master these skills, you can get interesting new projects or achieve promotion more easily. The following recommendations are by Alison Green, the popular author of management tips on the Fast Track blog.
Look at your work from a broader perspective
Think about individual processes and projects not only in terms of yourself or your team, but from the perspective of the entire company.
Cooperate
Good leaders involve as many people as possible in their activities. They want to know other people's opinions and expert advice. They share their ideas and listen to others.
Don't try to solve everything
Select where you're going to focus your attention if you want to fight for something. Don't engage wherever you can, but where it makes the most sense for you and where you can have the greatest impact.
Admit your mistakes
If you fail at something, don't try to hide it. Take responsibility. Use it as an opportunity to learn something new and show that you can correct your mistakes. You won't look weaker, but stronger.
Don't resist criticism
Accept feedback. If you reject criticism immediately and begin to defend yourself, it will hurt you in the eyes of others. Leaders want to improve themselves all the time, not to look like they lack trust in themselves and show others how hard they are to work with.
Help others succeed
There are many opportunities to help every day. For example, you can bring together two colleagues who could help each other or help a colleague with something he's struggling with. When others see that you are willing to help, they will appreciate you more.
-kk-