You Don’t Need a Title to Have a Big Impact

You may not think of yourself as a leader but, if you are influencing others, you most certainly are! My definition of leadership is actions and behaviors that influence the actions and behavior of others. That surely includes people in informal leadership roles. Think of the co-worker you admire who makes positive work suggestions that you choose to follow. Or a friend who encouraged you to assist with a community volunteer project.

How are you doing as an informal leader? Here are a few suggestions to up your informal leadership game.

Start with Reflection. Take an inventory of both your skills and actions. What can you learn from past situations and ways you have impacted others?

Are You Living Your Values? Take time to list values most important for you and consider how you might more consistently embrace them in everyday life.   

Embrace Authenticity. Be true to yourself and communicate that to others. People see quickly through those who pretend to be someone they are not. Start with self-awareness – knowing who you are, what you believe in, and how you embrace your beliefs in daily life. 

Be More Present. We influence others by showing them we care by giving our undivided attention. 

Have a Goal. I have heard it said that it is less important to achieve a goal than to have one.  Bringing meaning and purpose to life has a huge impact on our lives and those around us. 

With a little conscious effort, we can all be more effective leaders, adopting the positive habits of those who touched us in some way. We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!  

You can read my full NH Business Review column on this topic at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2023/12/01/?article=4178079