G10: Tips On How To Be The Best Young Leader

GLASGOW, Scotland - June 4, 2014 - PRLog -- G10 Glasgow

www.g10glasgow.co.uk (mailto:admin@g10global.biz)

G10: You’re Never Too Young To Be A Leader

GLASGOW, UK, June 2014 – Most people near the starts of their careers aren't typically thought of as leaders in the workplace. Not only do they inhabit a low spot in the office hierarchy and lack experience and skills, but also many are too timid and insecure to assume a leadership role. But with the right attitude, an observant eye and a desire to learn, any young professionals can prevail early on.

1. Start preparing before you enter the workforce

Volunteer in social or non-profit organizations or clubs where you can develop or hone your leadership skills. Groups are full of opportunities to lead at the board, subcommittee, special projects or events level. Do this while you’re still in school or before you enter the workforce. If students have cultivated their leadership skills while in college or worked in the field previously through internships or other experiences, they have more confidence generally in their ability to handle situations.

2. Do your homework

While most of what you’ll need to be a good leader you'll learn through practical experience and observation, you can't go wrong reading books or taking professional development courses on organisational leadership.

3. Take time to assess the culture of the organisation

Listen and observe how staff treats new workers—and learn what their expectations are. If you’re not sure, ask. It’s appropriate to ask your new supervisor what his or her expectations are about your work. Note your supervisor’s style. Is she more casual or formal? Does he want details and daily reports? Is she only interested in periodic feedback? Learn and adapt, learn about your teammates; learn their responsibilities, roles, professional goals, and business philosophies. Be a sponge.”

4. Keep a learner's mind

Always be curious and eager to absorb new information. Try not to judge situations too quickly or make quick assumptions that may not be accurate. It’s okay to be a little overwhelmed at first. Just do the best you can and ask for help when you need it.”

5. Identify areas where you can provide new insight or help.

A young new worker might be savvier with social media than the older staff, this would be a place to offer suggestions or ideas. You should act as a change agent aiming to fix something that's broken with your unique perspective and skills. Challenge the norm. Look at problem areas on your team or company. Sometimes there are ‘norms’ in organisations or teams that haven’t been challenged or where people haven't looked for a better way of doing things for a long time. Usually there’s something that people complain about. That is a great opportunity to come up with a new solution or idea for a new way to do things.”

6. Offer your help

If as a new worker you start with an ‘I’m here to help’ attitude, it can help you move into a leadership role more quickly and smoothly. Look for ways to serve even if you’re not asked to do so. Volunteer for stretch assignments or committees that will allow you to acquire leadership and management skills before you officially lead a team or a group,

7. Do your work and abide by the rules

Some young professionals get so wrapped up in everything else that they fail to execute their basic required tasks. If you’re given a deadline, respect it. If you don’t do the basic tasks well, no one will trust you with more complex tasks. Also pay attention to the rules and policies of the office, both written and unwritten. Show up early and stay late. Don’t be the last one in and the first to leave.

8. Communicate and connect

Take the time to meet your co-workers and get to know them as people, not just co-workers. This will take a little time, so don’t be in a hurry. You should also communicate assertively and broadcast your results in order to get your value proposition across.

9. Give credit where credit is due

Ask advice when you need it, but also try to complete your work as independently as possible. If you complete a project and are complimented on it, and someone has helped you, mention that.

10. Establish relationships with superiors and find a mentor

You’ll want to create mutually beneficial relationships with senior managers, mentors, and colleagues, and emulate their successful behaviour and approaches. Find a mentor who is viewed as a leader within the organisation and ask for opportunities to shadow that individual or work on a project with the individual to see first-hand how they successfully lead projects or groups.

For additional information, contact a member of the G10 administration team at nyomi@g10glasgow.co.uk

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