How to Become a Leader, Even if Your Company Isn't Helping

Published by Ryan Healy on April 21st, 2008 in Career Development, Personal Development | 9 Comments

There's not much opportunity to lead when you're a recent college grad working for a big (or small) company. That's because leadership opportunities typically come only with age and seniority. That makes sense. But the smartest companies know that learning to be a leader is a key desire for most ambitious Millennials, so they create leadership opportunities even for their entry-level workers.

I recently spoke with a woman who was appalled at the fact that her newest 22-year old recruit was interested in what types of leadership opportunities were available at the company. The woman didn't understand what a 22-year old could possibly lead. I thought it was a perfectly acceptable request. But if you're in a company that doesn't have "Gen Y leaders," it's up to you to use everyday situations as your leadership training ground.

Here are four things you can do to practice for your future role as leader of the free world.

Make a decision

I can't tell you how many times I've talked in circles with friends about where we should eat dinner. Typically I will ask someone where they want to go for dinner, then he will respond asking where I want to go, and the conversation will eventually end with no decision made.

But leaders make decisions. They make much more difficult decisions than where to eat dinner. And they often have to make decisions with less than perfect information available. So the next time you're in a conversation where no one will choose, tell the group exactly where you want to go for dinner.

Try new things

I hate trying new things. I hate it until I do it, of course. Before I gave a speech, I hated public speaking– I was terrified. But I also knew that I usually end up enjoying things that I think I hate. So I wrote on my blog bio that "I speak with companies about recruiting and retaining Generation Y."

And when I spoke with my first audience on this subject, I was terrified. But I also had a blast and I learned a ton about people and about myself–because I tried something new. Being comfortable and competent in unfamiliar situations is a sign of true leadership ability. So whenever you have the opportunity to do something new, try it!

Surround yourself with people smarter than you

If you're going to lead any successful company, group or team, you must be able to lead people who are smarter than you. Successful teams are made up of successful people, and successful people are usually pretty smart. So befriend people who you consider smart and successful and make them part of your team.

This doesn't mean you need to take control and "lead" these smart friends to any particular destination. Just interacting with smart people and learning to hold your own in complex or thoughtful conversations is great practice for managing your smart team at your next job as CEO. If you're at the top of an organization there will always be someone you manage who knows more about something than you do, so you must be comfortable in this situation and able to evaluate what they know, even if it's a little over your head.

Embrace alone time

They say it's lonely at the top. I wouldn't know. But for one reason or another I have a feeling "they" are right. Leaders have to make the final decision, and inevitably not everyone will like the decision they made. Leaders must be comfortable being alone.

Also, there is something kind of refreshing about spending time alone. Once you get comfortable with it, you can step back and take an introspective look at your life and your goals and learn a little about yourself. And knowing yourself is the defining characteristic of a good leader, because before you can lead others, you must first figure out who you really are as a person and what type of leader you want to become.