Most of us are raised to believe that leadership is only possible from a position of authority. But that’s not true at all. Leadership and authority are two different things, and you can have one without the other.
In fact, you can exercise leadership in any role as a strategy for obtaining more authority and control. Start by leading yourself. Only you are responsible for your own actions—not your boss, not your colleagues, and not your direct reports.
Remember that leadership is not necessarily linear. Instead of waiting for someone to tell you what to do, start taking more initiative. Understand your current position, envision your ideal one, and plan out what behaviors will get you there.
Level up today with our Instaread on How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge.
