How To Get Your Boss To See You As A Leader

You want to be seen as a leader, but your job title and lack of direct reports seem to communicate low-rank status. I have good news! Being recognized as a leader isn’t solely for those with VP, CXO, and Manager in their title. To get your colleagues and supervisors to recognize your leadership qualities, unlock these ten strategies.

1. Develop A Leadership Mindset

The leadership mindset encompasses how you view yourself, your role, your team, and the challenges they face. Leaders have a vision and pursue it with dogged determination. They don’t get tripped up by the small stuff. They stay connected to strategy.

2. Become A Storyteller

Leaders inspire those around them. Stories, when delivered with meaning and emotion, are moving and motivational. They spur deep thought and action. Learn to be a compelling storyteller. Watch Ted Talks and videos from leaders so you can develop your uniquely scintillating storytelling style.

3. Seek Out Best Practices

Leaders are never satisfied with how things are. They seek to make things better, more efficient and more impactful. They’re aware of what’s happening outside their department, division and company. They seek opportunities for innovation and cross-pollination, enhancing the experiences of all their stakeholders.

4. Ask Powerful Questions

Coaches know that powerful questions are more than a way to get answers. Questions can get people to think differently. A powerful question is a thought-provoking inquiry that stimulates deep thinking, promotes self-reflection, encourages meaningful conversations and inspires new insights. Be prepared with powerful questions for your next meeting.

5. Take Risks (Calculated Ones)

Don’t sit back, passively waiting for instructions. Seek out opportunities to lead projects, solve problems, or propose improvements, even if there’s a chance that they’ll fail. Taking risks like a leader involves a combination of calculated decision-making, strategic thinking and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

6. Upgrade Your Elevator Pitch

If you introduce yourself as the new junior consultant on the team, you’re telling people you’re not a leader. When your elevator pitch is inspirational and aspirational, those around you will take note. Share why you do what you do and the impact you want to have.

7. Coach And Mentor Others

If you’re just starting out in your career, you can still mentor those around you. Think about the things you’re best at. Consider reverse mentoring those who are more senior than you on topics like digital security or social media.

8. Act Like An Owner

Make decisions that prove you are looking at the bigger picture—not just hunched over a do-list of day-to-day activities, caring only about decisions that impact you. Approach your tasks with a sense of ownership by asking this question: “What decisions and actions would I take right now if I were personally responsible for the success and well-being of this project, team, organization?” Consistently deliver high-quality work and take responsibility for outcomes. This showcases your commitment to large-scale success.

9. Be Vocal About Your Goals

Let your boss know you want leadership opportunities. Demonstrating your leadership skills is incomplete without a clear call to action; you can’t rely on your manager to automatically find ways to grow your leadership skill. Be clear about how you want to grow as a leader and what you are willing to do to have these kinds of responsibilities. Moreover, clear communication is a leadership trait.

10. Highlight Your leadership Skills In LinkedIn

When people (even your boss and colleagues) want to check you out—either to learn about you or to learn more about you—they’ll type your name into Google or the LinkedIn search box and read your profile. Use your LinkedIn About, Experience and Featured sections to emphasize your leadership experience and aspirations, even if you need to highlight your volunteer activities or hobbies to build your case.

Remember, leadership is not confined to a title; it’s a mindset and a set of behaviors. By embracing these strategies, you can ensure that your leadership presence will flourish within your organization and in your life.

William Arruda is a keynote speaker, co-founder of CareerBlast.TV and creator of the 360Reach Personal Brand Survey that helps you get candid, meaningful feedback from people who know you.