Just because a project doesn't have a leader in name, doesn't mean it can't be you. Last week Scot Herrick on Cube Rules wrote that if you want to lead, you can. He says that leadership is not about your title but what you demonstrate in the office. He has five steps:
- Accomplish the Work “Basics matter,” Herrick wrote. “If you can’t deliver your work on time or do quality work, there is no way for you to lead.” Doing the basic work is the base line, he said. Doing it on time and finishing it shows team members can rely on you.
- Be Prepared Be prepared for all meetings with all members whether they are above or below you. “Being prepared means having your part done for what you are to present,” Herrick said. “It means having thought through the agenda so you can offer constructive input to the issues or solutions being proposed. It means having data to back up your position so that it isn’t just your opinion about what is on the table.”
- Know the Positions “Knowing the position before the decision is made helps you understand where the power is for the decision and where the objections are for the issue” Herrick said. You will need to talk to everyone about their positions, ask “what if” questions of each and why they are taking that stand. Then you can “provide a synthesized solution that matches the majority while accommodating those with objections.”
- Always Have an Agenda Even if you are not running a particular meeting, draw up an agenda anyway and have it with you in the meeting, Herrick said. This way you're prepared to run the show and get the concessions you're lobbying for.
- Stay Close to Who Decides “Behind the scenes, offering constructive suggestions about the project to the decision-maker and influencers on the project draws you closer to a having a place at the decision table,” Herrick said. Your suggestions don't have to be solutions, just triggers to start a dialog.
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