Leadership is an action YOU choose, not a position you attain. Leadership is all about two critical things: your ability to influence outcomes and your capacity to inspire others. It has nothing to do with your job title, position of authority, or having a corner office. It’s about your capability and willingness to influence people.

If you’re an individual contributor without a management role, start by reflecting on yourself. Do people around you view you as a credible person? Think about yourself as someone who can help facilitate team building. Service-based leadership (Servant Leadership) is in demand in most organizations, which is a core principle in all military branches. As a leader, you must prioritize the needs of your team and ensure they are met because their needs are more important than yours.

When you prioritize the team, you can transform a group of individuals with their own interests into a focused team that meets the team’s needs. When you’re part of the team, you have to give up something to benefit the team. Servant leaders serve the team, and in return, the team seeks to serve you. That’s what will make your team so cohesive.

As an individual contributor, how can you facilitate service and build a team among your colleagues? It may feel like a thankless quest, but stepping up and serving those around you will help build that team.

Most importantly: always remember that leadership by example is just that – YOUR example; Good and Bad!

~ An Excerpt from “Cast Your Light”