Hey friend,
What do you see when you imagine yourself in a leadership role? Maybe it wasn’t part of your plan, yet here you are. Leading.
Interestingly, the more I talk to leaders, the more I realize how the path to leadership isn’t as clear-cut as you might think.
It’s quite rare for someone to pursue leadership deliberately. Often, leadership finds us—whether we’re promoted unexpectedly, or we start as solopreneurs or independent contractors and gradually find ourselves hiring our first team members.
Suddenly, you’re not just managing your work but leading a team, all without formal training in leadership. If you’ve spent any time around me, you know I always say that leadership is more than the title or the position; it’s about how you show up every day.
That’s the Lead From Where You Are Philosophy (more on that another time)
Despite this, many ‘accidental leaders’ find themselves in charge without the proper tools to lead effectively—the way they want to and the way their teams need them to.
The good news:
Leadership doesn’t require years of preparation, thank goodness!
What it does require is vision, clarity, expectations, and the right team dynamics.
Here are 4-tips you can use to start mastering these elements:
- Define Your Vision: Think about the end goal for your team. What do you want to achieve together? Having a clear vision not only sets the direction but also inspires your team to support a common purpose.
- Clarify Roles and Responsibilities: This is a BIG ONE! It’s easier to get everyone on the same page when they know what’s expected of them. Clarity in roles prevents confusion and fosters an environment where everyone can thrive.
- Establish Expectations: Clear expectations set the stage for team success. Communicate what you expect in terms of efforts and outcomes. (pro-top: don’t be wishy-washy when setting expectations, and don’t assume everyone can read your mind)
- Engage for Buy-In: Your vision becomes stronger when shared. Involve your team in shaping this vision to foster commitment and enthusiasm.
Remember, it’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about embracing the challenges and opportunities to grow and lead with authenticity.
You’re more capable than you think, and if you get stuck, ask for help.
Looking to make a change in your leadership game?
Reply here, let’s chat about what success looks like for you.
xo Tonya Kay
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