Chief Academic & Learning Officer (HCI Academy); Chair/Professor, Organizational Leadership (UVU); OD Consultant (Human Capital Innovations)
getty
Early in my career, I learned that specialized skill sets are highly desired in my industry. I was motivated to establish my reputation and demonstrate my leadership abilities. However, I quickly learned that simply performing well on my assigned tasks was not enough to stand out in a hectic workplace.
One day in a meeting, I noticed a colleague, Emily, who I felt possessed incredible potential as a leader. She consistently delivered exceptional results and had a keen eye for detail. However, she seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by more outspoken team members. Like me, she wasn't showcasing her true potential, so I invited her for a virtual chat.
During our conversation, I was able to extract valuable insights and ideas from her that she hesitated to share in a larger group setting. Recognizing her expertise and unique perspective, I made it a point to amplify her contributions during subsequent team meetings. By investing in relationship currency, I not only helped Emily gain visibility but also fostered a collaborative environment that allowed both of us to shine.
I also noticed that Emily was burdened with low-value tasks that were draining her energy and diverting her focus from more meaningful work. Together, we approached our supervisor and communicated our aspirations and the value we brought to the table. This empowered us to prioritize tasks that better aligned with our skills and career goals, unleashing our true leadership potential.
As time went on, I witnessed Emily's confidence grow. She began advocating for herself and others, showcasing her work and the impact it had on the team and the organization. By building strong relationships with our superiors and championing the work of her colleagues, Emily positioned herself as a valuable asset and a leader who was invested in the growth and success of the team.
Emily's transformation serves as a powerful reminder that success lies not only in our individual achievements but also in our ability to create a supportive and thriving environment for ourselves and those around us. Additionally, by sharing our stories of growth and success, we can inspire others to embark on their own leadership journeys and pave the way for a future where potential is recognized, relationships are valued, boundaries are respected and advocacy is celebrated.
Strategies To Showcase Your Leadership Potential
Working hard and producing excellent outcomes is no longer sufficient in today's competitive workplace to demonstrate your potential as a leader. Individuals who are subject to cultural stereotypes, such as women, people of color and those with quieter, more introverted personalities, are most affected by this. The good news is that there are three simple strategies you can follow to help you and your people progress professionally and fully realize your leadership potential: (1) switching from performance currency to relationship currency, (2) establishing boundaries around low-value work and (3) speaking up for more of the work you desire.
Strategy 1: Move from performance currency to relationship currency.
People are frequently first evaluated based on their performance currency, or how successfully they complete assigned tasks. While this is crucial, it is also crucial to invest in relationship currency, which entails forging close ties with those who are close to you. You can effectively demonstrate your leadership potential by making your credibility known to the appropriate people.
You might, for instance, invite a coworker to join you for a virtual cup of coffee or a recognized leader to lunch. These modest actions can go a long way toward building rapport, encouraging collaboration and increasing your organization's visibility. Remember that sometimes your work won't speak for itself, so it's important to actively show your leadership potential through relevant connections.
Strategy 2: Set boundaries around low-value work.
Unfortunately, people of color, women and newcomers are frequently given low-value chores that sap their energy. While declining these chores could at first make you feel uncooperative or worried about coming off as a bad teammate, it's crucial to break free of this pattern.
You can prioritize tasks that are in line with your capabilities, areas of expertise and career objectives by establishing boundaries around low-value labor. Inform your superiors of your goals, the contribution you can make and your readiness to accept more difficult and fulfilling assignments. Keep in mind that demonstrating your potential as a leader depends on you standing up for yourself and promoting your own development.
Strategy 3: Advocate for more of the work you want.
For both personal and professional development, learning how to properly promote your work and the value you bring is crucial. Developing a good working connection with your supervisor and speaking up for others can have a big impact on how your career develops. By doing this, you not only demonstrate your leadership potential but also foster an environment where coworkers can flourish.
When arguing for more of the work you want, concentrate on emphasizing your advantages, successes and contributions to the company. Use statistics, analytics and case studies to demonstrate how your contributions have had a positive impact on results. By promoting your own work as well as the work of others, you establish yourself as a vital member of the team and a leader who cares about the development and success of the group.
Conclusion
It's imperative to do more than just put in hard work and produce results if you want to demonstrate your leadership potential. You can establish yourself as a leader who is proactive, influential and driven to make a difference by using these three strategies: switching from performance currency to relationship currency, putting boundaries around low-value work and lobbying for more of the job you desire. Keep in mind that success isn't just determined by your own personal accomplishments; it's also determined by your capacity to create meaningful connections, negotiate office politics and promote both your own and others' growth. Adopt these tactics, make the most of your special abilities and unleash your leadership potential to advance professionally and leave a lasting impression on your company.
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
