How To Be A Successful Young Leader

The first hurdle you have to overcome is getting your colleagues to see you more than an immature college graduate. 

Prove, instead, that you are capable of being a leader without disturbing anyone. Once you have done that, there are many more things you can do to become a successful leader in the early stages of your career.

Here are 6 steps you can take to become a successful young leader at work:

1. Prepare before entering the labor market

Volunteer in social or nonprofit organizations or clubs where you can develop or hone your leadership skills, says Coleman. "You start with groups like a neighborhood association or a group of alumni. These groups are full of leadership opportunities within the council, subcommittees, special projects, and events. "

Do this when you are still in college or before entering the job market. "If students have cultivated their leadership skills while still in college or if they have worked in the field before through internships or other experiences, they are generally more confident in their ability to handle various situations," Brooks adds.

2. Do your homework

Even if you learn most of the things you will need to be a good leader through hands-on experience and observation, you can't go wrong reading books or taking personal development courses on organizational leadership, says Coleman.

"There are many free or low-cost resources that will help you get the means and skills you need to start practicing concrete leadership in the workplace. "

3. Take time to evaluate the culture of the organization

Listen and observe how new employees are treated and find out what their expectations are, says Brooks. "If you're not sure, find out. It is not inappropriate to ask your new supervisor what his expectations are from your job. " Observe the style of the supervisor.

Is it more casual or formal? Do you want details or daily reports? Is she interested in regular feedback? Learn and adapt, Brooks adds. Kohnen agrees. "Absorb the information!" he says "Find out about your teammates, find out about their responsibilities, their roles, their professional goals, and their business philosophies. Be a sponge. "

4. Remain eager to learn

Always be curious and ready to absorb new information. "Try not to judge situations too quickly or make hasty assumptions that may not be correct," says Brooke.

"It's okay to be a little overwhelmed at first. Do your best and ask for help when you need it. "

5. Identify areas where you can bring a new perspective or help

A new employee may know more about social media than older employees, says Brooks. "If so, this would be the area to offer suggestions or ideas."

Levit argues that you should act as an agent of change, "seeking to repair what is broken with your unique perspective and skills."

Kohnen, meanwhile, suggests going out of style. "Look at the problem areas in your team or company.

Sometimes organizations or teams have techniques for which people have not tried for some time to find a more effective approach. It's usually something people complain about.

This is an opportunity for you to find a new solution or an idea of ​​how to do things differently. "

6. Offer your help

If you start with an "I'm here to help you" attitude, this can help you get a leadership role faster and easier. "Look for ways to help even if you're not asked to do so," Brooks suggests.

Volunteer on projects outside your field or on committees. This will allow you to gain leadership and management skills before formally leading a team or group, Levit adds.

"There are countless opportunities during meetings when someone is needed to coordinate a specific project or section of a project," says Coleman. "Offer yourself to take care of it.

If it is too large a project or in a field in which you do not have experience, you can offer to do it together with an experienced leader, to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to coordinate a project yourself next time. "