Become a Leader at Work: Practical Guidance for Everyday Success

Leadership is not only about holding a title; it encompasses influence, behavior, and the ability to inspire and empower others. While titles can signify authority and responsibility within an organization, they do not inherently make someone a leader.

To become a leader at work, it’s essential to cultivate specific skills and behaviors that foster respect and admiration – to be someone that others look up to.

Leadership at work is crucial because it sets the direction and tone for the entire team. A good leader inspires and motivates employees, making them feel valued and driven to achieve their best. They often ensure that everyone is aligned with the company’s goals and can effectively navigate any challenges that come their way. 

Without strong leadership, teams can become disorganized and lack the cohesion needed to meet objectives. Strong leaders play a critical role in resolving conflicts, increasing efficiency, and cultivating a positive work culture across all types of organizations. For instance, they might mediate disputes between team members to ensure that everyone is aligned and working harmoniously. They might streamline processes or ensure that team members are working towards common goals. 

And importantly, effective leaders are keen to develop future leaders through mentorship and coaching programs, ensuring a pipeline of talent that can sustain the organization’s success over time. Without strong leadership, organizations may struggle with direction, communication, and overall morale, ultimately affecting their ability to achieve their goals.

In 2024, leadership trends at work are evolving to address ongoing global, technological, and societal changes.

Shift to remote work.

One major trend is the shift towards remote and hybrid work. Leaders are now focusing on building a strong culture for remote teams and embracing the “work from anywhere” mindset. This involves creating policies that support flexibility and employee well-being, such as wellness programs and flexible work hours, ensuring that team members feel supported and productive no matter where they are.

Adapt your approach.

Another significant trend is adaptive leadership, which is becoming increasingly important in our unpredictable world. Leaders need to be agile, making quick decisions and fostering a culture of continuous learning. This allows teams to thrive in dynamic and complex environments, staying resilient amid constant change. 

Embrace emotional intelligence.

There’s also a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence and empathy. Leaders are encouraged to connect with their teams on a human level, showing understanding and compassion to build a positive work culture.

Lead with purpose.

Purpose-driven leadership is also gaining traction, with leaders aligning organizational goals with a broader purpose to inspire their teams and drive success. Building trust within teams is crucial, and leaders are focusing on creating environments of psychological safety, inclusion, and transparency. This fosters trust and ensures that team members feel valued and heard. Additionally, as technology advances, leaders must be tech-savvy and leverage data for strategic decision-making, highlighting the importance of staying updated with technological trends.

Recognize your mid-level managers.

Lastly, there’s an increasing recognition of the challenges faced by mid-level managers, who often deal with burnout and feeling undervalued. Supporting these leaders through recognition and appreciation is essential for maintaining a healthy organizational culture. These trends underscore the need for leaders to adapt to the changing landscape, focusing on flexibility, empathy, and technological integration to navigate the complexities of modern work environments effectively.

Becoming a leader at work involves a combination of developing key skills, building relationships, and demonstrating initiative. Following, find some key steps you can take to become a better leader.

1. Lead by Example

Demonstrating integrity and commitment is crucial. Follow through on your promises and show up with energy and enthusiasm. By embodying the values and work ethic you wish to see in others, you set a standard for your colleagues to follow.

2. Create Strong Connections with Co-workers

Establishing connections with coworkers is vital. Engage in open communication, be trustworthy, and recognize the contributions of others. A positive work environment where employees feel valued can significantly enhance overall satisfaction and productivity.

3. Cultivate Emotional Intelligence

Understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as empathizing with others, is a hallmark of effective leadership. This involves being a good listener, encouraging team members to share their ideas, and addressing conflicts constructively. Leaders who excel in emotional intelligence can foster a supportive atmosphere that motivates others.

“I always tend to go back to leveraging empathy,” said Sharon Larson, Operations Director, Coaching at Skillsoft. “This involves leading by example, motivating, and inspiring others through action, and building a reputation for making things happen while earning respect and trust. Empathetic informal leaders give credit to the team, listen to concerns, balance pushing for growth with understanding, and consistently encourage and recognize their coworkers’ contributions.”

4. Always Ask for Feedback

Adopting a mindset focused on learning and improvement can inspire others. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your approaches. This not only enhances your skills but also encourages your team to pursue their own development.

Said Debby Sirois, Principal Business Intelligence Analyst at Skillsoft: “Empower your employees by including them in decision making and change when possible. They will embrace the change if they feel they were part of planning and building it.”

Also, “don't be afraid of change,” said Carla Sparks Tingle, Sr. Management, Product Management at Skillsoft. “Yes, we all find change difficult, uncomfortable, and scary. Sometimes we really do not want to step out of our comfort zone -- even if that ‘comfort zone’ is not good for us. Lean into difficult things and be introspective. ‘Why does this scare me? What is the worst that could happen?’ Then, see if you can find a way to work around your answers. Being able to navigate waters of change and remain calm in the storm makes a leader others will want to follow or model.”

5. Ensure Upper Management Understands Your Vision

Articulating the organization’s goals and values helps align your team’s efforts. A leader should embody the mission of the company and inspire others to contribute toward shared objectives. This clarity can motivate employees to work collaboratively and effectively.

6. Be Innovative and Strategic

Encourage creativity and strategic thinking within your team. By promoting innovative ideas and recognizing the strengths of your coworkers, you can enhance team performance and drive the organization forward. A good leader not only has a vision but also a plan to achieve it.

7. Mentor and Show by Example

Taking on the role of mentor for new employees can demonstrate your commitment to the team’s growth. This not only helps others develop their skills but also showcases your leadership abilities to management, potentially paving the way for future promotions.

“Everyone has something to contribute,” said Sirois. “We are all different, but together, we can create great things through respect, collaboration, and valuing each other.”

At the end of the day, leadership is a power skill that employees with any title can develop and use at work. We lead ourselves, we lead each other, and someday we might lead within our organizations.

When in doubt? “Just be human,” said Sparks Tingle. “I lean on my human side more than anything. The world needs empathetic, passionate leaders who see people before business.” 

She continued: “Laugh at yourself. Laughter is such good medicine, and it breaks down barriers in difficult situations. Humans are complex, messy, funny, and full of mistakes. Life is a lot easier if you can simply embrace that imperfection.”

By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate the qualities of a leader that others admire, creating a positive impact on your workplace culture and driving collective success. Looking to build future-fit leaders at your organization?