One of the things you can do with leadership is to convince or inspire others to do things they might not think they can do. It’s influencing them to try tools, techniques, projects, something that makes them reach a bit beyond their comfort zone.
This might result in some failures, but it should allow people to learn more, to expand their skills, and hopefully find new ways to solve problems more effectively.
Your leadership might keep them going past failures to try again, or try something new.
These are valuable skills that can help you stand apart from others, and make you a more valuably member of a team. If you find that you can influence, inspire, lead other people, note that on your profile. Save these stories and use them for your next job interview.
I’m speaking at the SQLIntersection/DevIntersection conference in Las Vegas next week and I’m delivering the Modern Resume/Branding talk on Tuesday.
If you’re registered, come.
“You can lead even if you are not the leader.” – Erin Stellato
I heard this quote from a friend recently on a panel. It’s interesting in that it does help to inspire you to think about how you can make a difference even if you aren’t in charge.
The thing is, if you lead, you’re a leader. There isn’t a leader. There are people in charge, and people who lead. They can be the same, but they can be different.
Leadership is valuable, even when you aren’t in charge. When you aren’t the manager, or organizer, or Scoutmaster, or deacon, or any other “position” that determines direction, you can still lead.
That’s what leadership is. You convince people to do something when you have no power.
