Eyeing that open leadership position? Want to apply, but imposter syndrome kicks in? Wondering if you’re ready to lead or not?

“Should I tell my boss I’m interested in this leadership role?” 

“What if I’m not meant to lead? What if I mess up?” 

“It feels intimidating. Am I even ready to be a leader?”

Your brain is playing tricks on you. It’s choosing familiarity over growth. But you have to shut down all the voices in your head to make the right decision. And if you’re a technical person (like me) reading this, we are used to making decisions based on data, so why not implement the same here and see if you’re ready to go for that leadership position? 

I’ll give you 10 indicators that will help you know when to confidently step up and say that you’re ready to lead. If you’re not there yet, I have something for you in the end so you can upskill your way to the lead role. 

Before you step into leadership: A reality check you need 

Take a minute to think about why you want to be a leader. 

Financial benefits, visibility, authority, promotion, and a better position; if this is what you thought, you’re chasing the role for the wrong reasons. Sure the position offers all these benefits, but a leadership role means bigger responsibility. The perks are a by-product of that responsibility. 

This role demands your soft skills more than anything else. Don’t forget that the nature of work will change. You’ll be more involved in meetings, briefings, team communications, and other management tasks than technical work. 

Your core motivation for becoming a leader should come from genuine interest in the work, the skills it requires, or maybe you just want to get above the technical side and want to make a bigger impact. 

This was a reality check nobody asked for, but we all needed. Now that you know that leadership isn’t just a shiny title, let’s see if you’re ready to become a leader. 

10 Signs You’re ready to lead

Mindset 

1. You have thick skin and are emotionally intelligent 

Emotional intelligence is the number one trait of a good leader. Difficult conversations and situations will be a part of your daily routine. From receiving criticism for your department to handling team conflicts and everything in between, you need thick skin and a calm mind to act rationally. 

Take your time to respond. Evaluate all the possible ways to handle a situation, and choose a way that minimizes conflict but still puts your point forward. That’s what gives leaders authority. 

2. You are a self-learner

Self-learning and a growth mindset are necessary to be a successful leader. Unfortunately, our institutions and companies don’t offer enough training on soft skills, especially to technical teams.

When you’re transitioning to a leading position, you’re on your own to learn and figure things out. Your team management, strong communication, and social skills can get you a leadership role, but there will be multiple areas you’ll have to improve along the way. 

3. You’re already seen as a leader 

A strong sign that you’re ready for leadership is how liked, respected, and trusted you are among your peers. Your co-workers already see you as an informal leader if they come to you for guidance or advice.

Your work ethic is strong, you inspire your fellows, and instead of sticking only to your tasks, you take an active part in problem-solving and pouring in your expertise. 

If that’s not the case, then find that trusted person in your department. Observe and adopt their behavior and attitude that puts them in that position.

Strategic Thinking

4. You can see the big picture

You’re good at connecting dots and understanding how small actions and changes impact the big picture. A leader is involved in the big decisions, company-level goals, and strategies; they understand how every piece fits in the puzzle.

Their duty is to ensure that their department’s goals and policies align with the company’s mission. 

5. You’re results-oriented 

A leader doesn’t fix bugs or sort data; their concern is the result. If you’re someone who is more focused on results than minor processes and systems, that’s a good sign. You can delegate easily and know how to get the work done without micromanaging.

Team Management 

6. You empower others

Leadership is a group sport. A 2023 survey reported that 73% employees consider performance recognition by their managers as a strong factor in employee retention. 

Another area that will take a good chunk of your time as a leader is guiding and helping your team members. Are you a team player, and can you bring everyone along?

Can you identify people’s strengths and put them to good use? Can you guide your team members to empower them and bring out the best in them? If yes, you have what it takes to lead a team.

7. You’re ready for group accountability 

A leader stands by their team through thick and thin. Now you’re not just answerable for a set of specific tasks that were on your plate before, you’re now leading a team.

Can you take accountability for an entire department? Are you ready to be answerable on behalf of your entire team? Can you defend your team and take criticism for them? 

The responsibility significantly increases. 

Effective communication 

8. Networking and Social Skills 

Leaders have strong connections within the industry. That’s how they get insights that allow them to make the right decisions at the right time. Leaders know how important connections are, and their social and networking skills let them achieve it. 

9. You’re good at communicating 

Communication is the key skill, not just in leadership but for any position. And for technical people like me, we don’t put this skill to the test often. But a leader needs to be able to put their ideas across in the best possible way.

There will be times when you have to give critical feedback to your team, or motivate them towards a mission, or you might have to address a failure; firm and effective communication will be your only tool.

Decision making and problem solving

10. A leader is decisive

As a leader, you will face situations when you’re required to make a critical decision, and you might not have enough data, or it might be urgent, and you’re the sole decision maker.

In such situations, a leader uses their industry knowledge, experience, decisiveness, and foresight to move quickly. By trusting your judgment and making informed decisions through data, you can confidently make necessary decisions that fit the big picture.

Missing a few signs? Here’s what to do

Leaders are not born, they are made. If you’re missing a few qualities, you can always build them. Leadership thrives on soft skills, and skills can be learned. If it feels like you’re not ready to lead yet, you can work towards it with these 6 steps process to get a leadership position without experience.

I have designed a quick 5-minute leadership assessment for data professionals that will help you identify your weak areas and give you actionable steps to improve. One small action at a time, and you will start to develop skills for a lead role.