How to become an effective leader?
 

I've been asked to let my inner leader out at work... I don't have a manager title. I'm the only one in my two departments (yeah, I'm a busy girl). I can tend to come off as a know-it-all. (I know this about myself but am so far unable to conquer this entirely. I don't think everyone thinks this about this however. Guess it's all in your point of view.)

Bottom line is - I need help.

If I want to continuing climbing in my career, and get a raise, I need to begin showing some area of management or leadership without my coworkers thinking:

1. She's not my boss! Why is she acting like some sort of leader around me?

and/or

2. Coming off as a bitchy know it all.

I get along well with my coworkers who all tend to get along well with each other. My position requires a work independantly quite a bit, but also work directly with others in a computer support manner.

I'm looking for ways I can improve my skills in this area. Book suggestions perhaps.

Or other ways if you've got some ideas.

I'm always for the lead by example method.
:)

Lead by example - don't ask someone to do something you wouldn't do.
Allow others to learn and grow - don't refuse to train them or "hoard" job responsibilities

As for books, I hear (but have yet to read) 10 habits of highly effective people is good.

A bit dated, but still relevant.

Might I also suggest asking higher-ups how to get ahead in the company. Let it be known that you would like the opportunity to show your meddle and that you would like to get ahead.

Also, getting your boss promoted is a good way to create a spot for yourself.

Someone very wise once told me that the best leaders view leadership as an honor and look for ways to serve the people that they are leading. Seems like a good perspective.

A lot depends on your style and the culture in which you work. For me it's been about collaboration - finding talented people and allowing them to do what they do best, and vision - having a clear idea of how you would like see things and selling it to the people you work with so that it creates or becomes a shared goal.

agreed. allow them to have input if they desire but dont force them to. some folks really do just want to follow but appreciate a leader who honestly values their input, even when they themselves dont have any.


respected is the General who is counted amongst his soldiers as one of their own

I try to be an effective leader by not killing my employees... :D

Seriously though...

Be fair - don't play favorites.

Be honest.

Keep them informed. If you can give out information to your staff, do so.

Be cheerful in the face of change.

Make sure you know how to do the job of everyone under you. Not so you can do it yourself, or try and tell them how to do it better, but so you have a common understanding of what the job is.

Encourage, never demand.

Interact with your employees. A manager who stays in their office all day is not managing effectively.

Don’t use passive voice when talking face-to-face; it’s patronizing.

Be consistent.

And above all… have a sense of humor.

Its funny how much of this applies to parenting.

Especially the last line.