🧐How to Lead when YOU are NOT the Boss?

[ 5 Min Read ]

You don’t have to be a Boss to be a Leader.

What if I told you that you don't need to be a Boss to be a Leader?

A common misconception

I believe there is a common misconception.

Only those with a formal title or authority can lead. It's time we debunk this myth and embrace the belief that even without a title, we can be a leader.

Leadership, and especially creative leadership, is never about authority or manipulation.

Contrary to popular belief, leadership isn't just a role but a mindset. We can and should demonstrate leadership regardless of our role or position.

But How Can We Lead Without Formal Authority?

Let me be straight. Naturally, trying to initiate change without formal authority meets resistance.

A variety of challenges can arise, including limited access to information or resources, as well as time and funding constraints.

The most problematic thing of all, though, is that when we try to change ALL the 101 things that don’t work at once, it can often be counterproductive and cause discomfort for all parties involved.

Not to mention that this approach could potentially be misinterpreted as insubordination.

The result is that for fear of not bothering people or putting ourselves “at risk,” we tend to comply and avoid taking charge.

The Solution: Focusing on One Single Point of Change

Instead, a much more proactive and effective approach is - Focus on that one single thing, a problem, that you’re truly passionate about solving. Rather than juggling multiple issues simultaneously, find that one pain point that needs resolving and take charge.

We do not have to be in charge to take charge.

When we are able to state, “This is important to me, and it needs attention. I'm taking charge of it. Who's with me?” When we can pinpoint a specific problem, and we are capable of inspiring, influencing, and empowering others to help us solve it, then we're leading.

The only caution is that we have to select a probe that doesn’t make only our lives easier but truly contributes to the betterment of the entire team and organization.

In my experience is not that easy to ignore someone who is truly working towards the betterment of the organization.

Your Impact Matters: No Title Necessary!

It might be true that we do not possess the authority or title to take action or make big decisions.

What we can do, though, is create the conditions for those who do to see things differently.

We can provide them with all the information about the issue that we are trying to solve. Shine a light on it and provide enough information that the only natural next step is to take action.

Transforming this ‘problematic’ situation for the better.

And this is how we can we can lead even when we are not the Boss.

Takeaway

Creative leadership is never about authority or manipulation. It is about Enabling and Empowering.

Inspire:

• Leadership is truly a selfless act. It is about guiding others to become the best version of themselves.

Challenge:

• You don't need to be the boss to lead; you just need to identify one specific problem and take charge even if you're not in charge.

Disrupt:

• Creative Leadership is about modeling behaviors and identifying which practices and standards of behavior You follow, model, and instill every day. If you aren't sure how to achieve this, fill in the blanks.

  • Whatever it takes, we will…

  • Whatever it takes, we will NEVER…

🚀 Share this piece with someone who can help and sustain you in your Creative Leadership Journey. Leadership is better when shared.

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Here are three ways to kick off your creative leadership journey.

1. [The Art of Creative Leadership] Book. If you want to know more about Creative Leadership. Grab your copy of [The Art of Creative Leadership] and gain access to our [online community] of creativeldrs.

2. [Join The Creativeldrs Community]. Share and learn from a community of like-minded people who want to be leaders and create a true impact. Discover Practical tools (Plays). Share and Learn from others, discover 100+ resources and Monthly meetups to grow as a Modern leader.
   

3. [Multiply Time Challenge]. If, like me, you feel constantly overwhelmed and out of time. You struggle to find the time to grow as a leader and empower your team. Join the multiply time Challenge. Free-up at least 3 hours per week.

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