Becoming a leader, the hard (and only) way

If you want to be a leader, start leading. That’s it. There’s no shortcut.

Stop waiting for someone to give you a leadership opportunity. Leadership is not a thing you’re handed, it’s a thing you take.

There’s no white horse of truth and justice to come down and make everyone believe you’re a leader. That’s your job. I don’t care if your CEO says “OK everybody, this person is your leader now!” People will only think of you as a leader once you’ve shown that you are one.

So speak up. Be the first to support, unblock, advise, answer, volunteer, plan. Find the cracks in the project that need filling, and fill them. These are the things that make a leader.

Start leading, and leadership will follow.