More Than a Title: Lead from Where You Are

When you hear the term "leader," what do you think of? Is it someone who is responsible for a team, or someone who holds a specific title? The term "leader" is often defined by the role/title one has within an organization, rather than the impact any individual has the ability to create. I believe it's possible to lead from wherever you are using the power of influence.

How many times have you heard executives say that they would be lost without their assistants? We all have the "person" in the organization whom—no matter what you need—you can count on to assist you in more ways than one. That individual has become the go-to person, someone many in the organization recognize as such. So, what makes that person any different from others you encounter? I'd venture to say it's their ability to connect with others in a way that tangibly makes a difference.

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) identifies skills needed to lead from the middle. Influence, communication, and thinking and acting systematically are three of these qualities that can be cultivated by anyone within an organization, no matter their title or position within the hierarchy.

Influence as outlined by CCL encompasses cooperation and collaboration to accomplish a shared goal. At the core of influence is the ability to connect with people—simply put, relationships. Building on the relational aspect is the ability to be reliable in addition to delivering results. These characteristics can best be summed up as "taking action." So, foundationally, influence is the ability to connect with others, take action, and achieve shared outcomes. In his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You, leadership expert John Maxell states, "The higher you want to climb, the more you need leadership. The great the impact you want to make, the greater your influence needs to be."

Next up is the art and science of communication. In order to create and leverage influence, one must have the ability to convey a thought or idea. This skill is especially significant, as it impacts the reach you will have based on how well you can align with individuals up, down, and beside you within your organization. Unlocking this skill enables you to become the puzzle piece that is the missing link between where you are and where you'd like to be.

Lastly, influence within an organization is carried through the ability to think and act systematically. Understanding how the big picture works and identifying bridges to create change or foster progress are ways to amplify your influence. This characteristic is valued, as it speaks to a level of analysis and insight that can rarely be learned through traditional methods of training or sharing. It's founded and supported by experience and, perhaps more importantly, by the intrinsic desire to be fully engaged.

Ultimately, ask yourself this question: "Am I willing to hone the skills that I have to help create or become a catalyst for change?" If the answer to this question is yes, then you will always have unlimited potential to share your expertise and influence to be a valued asset on any team you join. The most important takeaway is that no matter your response to the question, at any time you'd like to change the outcome, the opportunity is in your hands.

Leadership is an action, and no matter the level you sit in an organization requires a genuine effort to connect, elevate, and be of service. The more you give, invest, and authentically show up, the more you have to gain. As you look at those within your organization, department, or team, think about those individuals who consistently make a difference. I'm sure you will find leaders who don't fit the traditional model, and everyone is better for it. Never rule out the possibility that the person you are looking to identify may be you.

Shana Campbell is Manager of Professional Learning at EDUCAUSE.