Are you Ready to Lead?

Whether based on tenure, talent or a case of ‘right opportunity, right time’, you may feel you are ready to step into a management or leadership position. Even though every situation, workplace and leadership position will differ, there are a few signs to keep on the lookout for that can indicate clearly that you are more than ready to move into a formal leadership role.

We’ve explored some of the key indicators for you below. If you identify with any or all of them, the time may be ripe for you to pluck up the courage and ask where your career can progress from here:

1. You are an informal leader or mentor

You hold sway over what decisions are made and how they are made. Junior members of staff are interested in seeking out your opinion and are following your advice. You find that people gravitate toward you during times of trial and you are often credited with working out solutions for yourself and for those around you.

2. You are distinctly adaptable

Your manager has switched your priorities around? No problem, you take it all in your stride. You no longer feel stressed when new material is placed in front of you to be completed. You are welcoming new work and completing your current workload at a consistently high standard. You aren’t bored of your workload, but you feel there is more you could fit into every day. Change in the form of new or different types of work doesn’t irk you, it inspires you.

3. Your presentation skills are immaculate

Maybe you used to be a very jittery presentation giver. But lately, you’ve noticed that speaking in front of people no longer makes you unbearably uncomfortable. When you are asked to present your work to others you welcome the opportunity to give your take on things and are appreciative of all the feedback you receive.

4. Your communication style is fluid

You are careful in the way you speak to your colleagues about delicate issues. You use discussion planners and think carefully about what you are going to discuss with your colleagues to ensure the process is efficient and beneficial. You know that while some people prefer to discuss issues in a formal meeting setting, others are more responsive to a more informal style of communication. You think before you speak, and you listen actively.

5. The word ‘no’ is now a part of your vocabulary

You are increasingly unwilling to have your day disrupted by things that could have been brought up in a more efficient way. Your experience has given you an almost sixth sense for what will work, and what may require a bit more thinking to get right. You are protective of your time and want to encourage others to think in a similar vein.

6. You are comfortable pushing your boundaries

You are keen to explore new skills and develop alternative ways of thinking. You have made a conscious effort to develop yourself in accordance with what your job requires and what you know you need to improve on.

7. You are consistently receive positive feedback from your managers

You are being noticed by senior management for all the right reasons. The high quality of your work and your positive attitude have both contributed to you being considered as a valued member of the organisation. You have been acknowledged by your peers and managers as an invaluable resource in the organisation.

8. Your manager is asking what your next move will be

Your manager is genuinely interested in what your next move will be. Nothing concrete has been mentioned, but you get the feeling that they would like to advance your role in the company. You’re excited about the prospect and eagerly await speaking with them about the possibilities.

How many did you identify with? If you identify with the majority of the points made, then all signs point to you being ready to step into a higher position and take your career to the next level.

Take the LMA DIY Leadership Analysis test to learn more about your management skills and where you can look to improve.