The power of the formal head of the team is determined by his position. Such a leader does not have to build personal relationships so that everyone knows who is the boss. He is simply higher in the hierarchy, so he controls the rest.
An informal leader is equal in position to other employees but is generally respected, can influence the mood of the team and coordinate the work of colleagues. Such a person comes to him for advice, he is considered competent and significant for the company, whatever position he occupies. To make your way to informal leadership in your new job conscious and comfortable, there are six important steps to take.
Understand your motivation
First, it’s worthwhile to figure out why you aspire to be a leader and what you expect. It’s good if you’re clear that this is preparation for a future leadership position. If you just want leadership per se, it’s worth thinking about.
Perhaps informal leadership is important to you because it supposedly gives you a sense of confidence. In that case it is better to discuss the topic with a psychologist recommends Jean S. Hartley, a professional content writer at Writemypaperbro. Otherwise you may face false expectations: you have the status, but you still do not have confidence.
Do not be afraid of the rookie role
You will not remain a novice forever. Over time you’ll gain more experience, get used to the team, and grow in the direction you choose. But you won’t be able to jump over the adaptation step either. So it’s worth accepting that you’ll be in the role of an inexperienced novice employee for a while.
The rookie position has its advantages. You can ask any questions, learn the processes, make mistakes – other employees will be sympathetic to this. Take your temporary status calmly. This way you will show the team that you can adequately assess the situation and cope even with a situation that is not too comfortable for most.
Examine the real situation
A good leader always thinks about the interests of the team. That’s why it’s useful to study the relations and traditions in the team first. The first time you can just observe: who is most often asked for help, and who they try not to bother unnecessarily. Note the nuances of the behavior of other employees: how they react to criticism, whether they often praise colleagues, whether they easily agree to additional work. In this way, you will get a better sense of the environment.
Avoid being overly active or overly closed off. It’s better to observe the situation, build relationships with new colleagues carefully, and not try to artificially speed up the process of rapprochement. Employees who are trying very hard to be friends with you may have their own agenda. Maintain an adequate distance and be equally polite to all colleagues, not showing obvious affection to anyone at first.
Ask more experienced people for advice
Build rapport with new colleagues through simple requests and work questions. The people we ask for advice or help make us feel important and needed. As a result, you’ll settle in more quickly, and colleagues will have a good impression of you.
A true leader is not afraid to recognize the merits of others. So always thank colleagues for their help. If someone’s advice was particularly helpful to you, don’t forget to acknowledge it.
Take on challenging tasks
Team leadership is closely associated with responsibility. So don’t avoid professional challenges. A new employee is rarely assigned difficult tasks. But if you’re faced with one, don’t pass up. Ask for help if you need it, and persevere to figure out the assignment.
The next step is to expand functions. Having settled in a new place, strive to further explore the specifics of their own tasks and what your colleagues are doing in related areas. Do not become isolated in your own position – take an interest in the processes, for which the employees at a higher level are responsible.
Don’t pretend
Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. You may tag along and be ambitious, but you shouldn’t mechanically demonstrate leadership qualities. Be considerate of others and act naturally.
A strong professional, who is not afraid to take responsibility and is able to work in a team, come to the status of the head naturally. For example, newcomers appear in the company, and more experienced employees grow – become mentors for beginners or assemble their own team.
You cannot artificially create an image of a professional, because the lack of experience will be revealed at the first difficulties in the work. If you are engaged in the sphere, where real results are oriented, confirm your level with real achievements.
Remember that things can turn out differently
Many factors influence the possibility of leadership. Therefore, motivation alone may not be enough to gain status. Usually, in an established team, leadership roles are already assigned. Change is possible, but it will take time and persistence.
It is possible that after working in the company, you will realize that you do not see yourself as a leader or an informal leader here. But wherever you decide to pursue a career further, you will need the ability to build connections with the team and the ability to benefit from the newbie role.
