5 Ways to Become a Leader

Whether you’re just starting out in your career or are in management, learning how to be a leader in the workplace can make a positive impact on your career. Developing your leadership skills isn’t always an easy task though. There can be roadblocks, tough decisions and times that you’ll have to stick up for something most people wouldn’t. Luckily, these tips can help.

Accept criticism
If you want to be known as a leader in the workplace, being open and learning to accept criticism is essential. When you are open to new ideas and constructive criticism you’ll be seen as accepting and willing to try new things. Typically the individuals that are giving you feedback are more experienced and can teach you about your industry and particular career path. This allows you to learn from others mistakes so you don’t have to make the same ones.

See opportunities
Examine your current responsibilities and projects, is there anything you can do to improve or progress them? Is there a project no one wants to take the lead on? Learning to look for opportunities to take the lead on whatever the task may be and this will eventually become a habit. Seeing an opportunity and taking control of it are what leaders do, they are constantly working to better themselves and their work.

Build relationships
Take the time to foster relationships in the workplace and take the opportunity to learn from established leaders. Engage with people who have taught you and learn as much as you can from their leadership abilities, if they are a person you respect. Building relationships with these people can teach you invaluable lessons about leadership and give you advocates.

Push your limits
Without testing out new ideas and possibilities, you’ll always be in the middle of the pack. Push the envelope, take risks and see how far you can push yourself. Unless you test the limits with what you’re able to do, you’ll never know! To be considered a leader you have to show initiative and do things people have never done before.

Take responsibility
This goes along with accepting criticism and pushing the limits. If you’re going to try new things and they don’t work out, accept the results and take responsibility. No leader has ever gotten far without accepting responsibility. You will be respected and known for being responsible and willing to step up to the plate.

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