Every leader wants to be viewed as being “professional”.  Maybe a better word for this would be “legitimate”.

When we are new to leadership , we work hard to establish ourselves, to prove ourselves and to be respected.

I’ve noticed that many young leaders expect this to happen immediately.  It doesn’t.

Being accepted as a leader, or as a “legitimate” leader takes time and it takes some work.

Here are some tips of things to think about:

#1) Whatever your job is, do it well

It doesn’t matter what you do.  Learn it, know it, do it well, and work at doing it better.

#2) Be known for your integrity

Do the right thing, no matter what.  This includes conversations, ethical behavior and guiding principles.

#3) Don’t be self-promoting

Don’t use words to promote yourself.  Use your work, your skills and your proven success.

#4) Be reliable

Do what you say you’ll do, and if you fail, don’t blame others.  Just take it and move on.

#5) Listen more than you talk

Learn to listen to others.  You can learn from them, especially when you ask good questions.

#6) Respect others

Accept others and be encouraging.  They will reciprocate.

#7) Help your team

Be known as a helper and a supporter.  When people can count on you, it changes the whole dynamic.

#8) Dress and act professional

First impressions aren’t always right, but if you want people to take you seriously, be sure to carry yourself that way, even if others aren’t.

#9) Be positive

People avoid people who are always negative, and that label is hard to get rid of.  Don’t be a whiner.

#10) Never stop doing the 9 things above.

Just because you’ve “arrived” doesn’t mean you can slack off.  Keep working hard, all of your life, on your leadership. You’ll grow and develop and others will too.

Russ/2014