Your boss calls you into their office to tell you they want you to lead. Or you go in for the interview for a leadership role, knowing your chances are sky high. How does that sound? This could happen if you show leadership skills at your work when you’re not a leader yet.

It’s called leadership without position. Which makes total sense because leadership doesn’t require a title. 

This article will give you 8 ways you can demonstrate your leadership skills at work, no matter what your current position is. In doing so, you position yourself as a strong candidate to lead. 

8 practical ways to show leadership skills at work

1. Get in the right mindset

To show leadership skills at work and to lead without a position, you have to be in the right mindset: The mindset of a leader. A leader’s mentality is influential, solution-oriented, and they stick to their values. 

You don’t have to spend a fortune on it, but start dressing like a leader. Be careful about your values and commitment, as they reflect in your actions. Prioritise punctuality, both in showing up and in completing your work. Do as you say, and be ready to leave your comfort zone to be influential and trustworthy. 

This is self-leadership. A leader sets an example by his actions, mindset, attitude and words. That’s how people trust them and easily follow them.

 

2. Think strategically and be solution-oriented

Brush up on your critical skills because you’ll be extensively using them in this leadership journey. No matter what the situation is, you should not rant about the issue; instead, have a solution-focused mindset, critically analyse the problem and the situation, and present a solution. 

Your manager might raise a technical issue, the company could be going through a shift, or a colleague might need your help. In such scenarios, you should focus on solutions. 

Be careful of small talk with your team members and co-workers. You can casually rant about a problem, but always balance it with hope through your analyses and solutions. 

3. Offer help and mentorship

This is the people-focused side of leadership. Help others win and be open to guiding your colleagues. Maybe a new co-worker can use your help in getting familiar with the system and processes of the company. Maybe a team member is stuck on a task, or a junior might need guidance. 

You should strive to become the go-to person for help and guidance among your team members. This is the biggest sign that your team already sees you as a leader and will be happy to follow your lead. These soft leadership skills might help you in that.

4. Actively listen and effectively communicate 

The first step of communication is listening actively. The majority take this wrong and listen to respond; they feel the pressure of answering, and, in doing so, they miss the core message. 

Active listening means listening to understand. Understand the point they are trying to convey. When you get the main message, you will know how to respond. 

There is a lot to be discussed in communication, but in essence, you should speak with clarity and confidence. Your voice should sound firm and always drive your point home with proper analyses of the problem, acknowledging other people’s opinions or solutions, and presenting your own.

 

5. Speak up

Instead of hiding in the background, start speaking up and asking the questions that are in your head. Ask the purpose of a new goal, understand the impact and the big picture, and clarify all your confusions. Advocate for yourself and your team if required. 

In short, speak up where it’s needed, either for a question or for making a statement. 

It might sound daunting because it is a difficult move. It requires you to leave your comfort zone. And that’s why it’s extremely appreciable and respected by people, making the most impact in positioning you as a leader. 

6. Take responsibility

Leaders take responsibility for their entire department and team, but in leadership without a position, you have to demonstrate that skill on an individual level first. 

Take ownership of your work, whether it’s a win or a mistake. Leaders don’t play the blame game; they take ownership and work to improve. 

If you have a group under you, take responsibility for them. No matter what happens inside the group, in the end, you will be the one answering on your group’s behalf.  

7. Build your professional network

Start within your team. Maintain good relations with your co-workers, communicate openly, respect different viewpoints, and address conflicts quickly instead of letting them linger. Network with people from your industry. Attend seminars, networking events and conferences. 

8. Lead a project

Don’t shy away from asking to lead or raising your hand if an opportunity comes up. Leading a project will give you a taste of true leadership, leadership with authority and responsibility. And if you practise the above points, your boss will be more than happy to make you a leader.

Leading with or without a position

These were 8 ways to demonstrate leadership at work. If you’re planning to advance your career and eyeing a leadership role, showing your leadership skills is the best step you can take. It shows your manager that you have the right skills, and when an opportunity comes up, they will be happy to offer it to you. 

Demonstrating your leadership skills also helps you collect proof, so when an interviewer asks for leadership examples, you will have plenty to tell. 

Slowly incorporate these tips into your daily routine. Openly practice leadership until you become a leader, with or without a title.