Look around at our sector, organizations and conferences, it’s clear that there is a leadership transition underway. Yet, most of our organizations are not developing the next generation of leaders. Or, they are attempting to but the next generation is (rightfully) questioning, challenging, or not interested in leadership based on the workloads, work-life harmony, leadership styles (or lack thereof), and leaders they have experienced.

Fortunately, though, “leadership” is not a title or position—it is behaviour. It is something that we are all capable of. We can develop ourselves as leaders and it doesn’t require an invitation or permission. Here’s how:

Be (and stay) curious

Spend time observing the leaders you work with, whether it’s with the title or not. Network and meet new leaders. Read books, articles, and listen to podcasts. “Reading a book is among the most high-leverage activities on earth…you can gain access to what the smartest people have already figured out,” says Greg McKeown.

As you do this, ask yourself:

• What is leadership?
• What are the different leadership styles?
• What are the skills required and how are those skills acquired?
• What are the challenges?
• What are the rewards?
• Who are the leaders I respect? Who are the ones I don’t? Why is that? What are they doing to elicit that reaction?

As Laura Champion writes, others will show you “what I do and don’t want to become as a leader”.

Define leadership for yourself

“Leadership is not some mystical quality that some possess and others do not…we all have what it takes” - David Marquet

Afshaan Kohari tells us that “Self-awareness is key to good leadership”. Take those learnings and observations and define what leadership means to you and how you want to show up.

Ask yourself:

• What are my values?
• What are my strengths?
• What are my blindspots?
• What excites me about leadership?
• What scares me?
• What do I think can be done differently or better?
• Do I want to be in a formal leadership position? (It’s ok if you don’t, the last thing we need is more people in positions of power who don’t want to be. You can still have influence and impact without the title)
• How can I begin acting as a leader?

Act

“Leadership is based on how you show up. And your job title has nothing to do with it.” - Adrianne Yiu

Leadership is a behaviour, and leading by example is the easiest way to demonstrate that behaviour.

• Chase excellence and be a top performer while also understanding, supporting and contributing to your team’s goals. Seek clarity to understand how your work fits into the broader picture.
• Provide specific positive feedback. Go beyond saying “good job” to a colleague and be more specific. “Good job. I am really impressed by how you did a,b,c and the impact of x,y,z that you achieved.”
• Practice positive gossip and give people compliments behind their back. After providing colleagues with specific positive feedback, provide that same feedback to their boss and other colleagues.
• Be a multiplier. Bring people together (individually and collectively) to create community and psychologically safe spaces. Tell your network about your colleagues who are doing a great job and introduce and connect them. Provide encouragement to be leaders to those who don’t hold the title, position, or aren’t provided with opportunities.

I have experienced leadership development as a white, cisgender, straight man, which has provided me with opportunities, power, and safety. I know that is not true for everyone. If it is safe to do so, speak up, call behaviour in and out, and confront the brutal truths.

What’s next

“Leadership is a choice, not a position” - Stephen Covey

We need you.

If you care more about other people’s success than your own, collective achievement before personal, and impact over recognition—we need you.

If you see other ways to treat people, empower others and be strategic—we need you.

You are a leader. The time is now.

Eli Clarke (he/him) is the Director of Development, Major Gifts at the University of Waterloo and the founder of Essential Consulting. Eli works to encourage curiosity and leadership to understand and identify equitable and sustainable solutions for the health of our planet, society and each other. Eli can be contacted at eli@essentialconsulting.ca or www.linkedin.com/in/eliclarke/.