Lead Without a Title

By Bruce Lund, NEXTPERT
Topic: Career Development, Marketing, Networking, Personal Branding, Success Strategies, Reputation Management, Social Media, Entrepreneur, Gen Y, Millennial, Job Searching

 www.nextpert.net

Be the "Best in the World (BIW)"

I still remember my first day with the Grand Rapids Press, the first position in my career. After completing the interview process and all it entails the first thing I wanted to know is what my title is. That title wasn’t sexy but it was mine as an “Editorial Assistant”.

What I quickly found out is that the “Editorial” part of the title really didn’t matter but that I was an assistant. I assisted every person I came into contact with at the Press. As a Next Generation Leader the quicker you realize that you are there to serve everybody and anybody the quicker you will experience success and the faster you will grow your career.

Robin Sharma has a book called “The Leader Who Had No Title” that gets down to the essence of what our generation needs to learn.

We must all start out small and work our way up. The process must be followed and the price must be paid. What you do have control over is HOW you work your way up in an organization or in everyday life.

You don’t need a title to be a leader. The competition is high but you must remember you are on a team. Don’t compete but instead help and add value to all those around you.

Think like you are the CEO of your particular unit. For example, at the Press I was one of many “Editorial Assistant’s” but I made it my duty to understand everything that needed to be done and the roles of all those around me. Think of yourself as a quarterback who needs to understand all that goes into a company to run smoothly and you will get way ahead of the curve.

This is an entrepreneurial mindset that school’s simply do not teach you. Once you understand this concept in a company that is when you will begin to become innovative and indispensable. You don’t have to be the CEO to understand that you can lead. Even in your entry level position.

Be a solution to a problem. For every one problem you bring to the table also bring two solutions to that problem.

NEXTPERT TAKEAWAY

To begin to think in terms of an entrepreneur or CEO understand how to: 

1. ASSIST: How are you going to add value to the people around you? All NEXTPERT’s must realize that you are there to serve and assist anything that needs to be done. Mopping or sweeping floors may not be in your job description but do it anyway.
2. WOW: Have that “it” factor that your employer and co-workers are naturally drawn to you. Be world-class in all your actions and you will find the success you are looking for quicker than anybody else around you.
3. SELL: During our tough economic times you must realize every person is a salesperson. Figure out ways to make money through innovative ideas. Again, be world-class to customers and you are building your company’s brand from just your interactions alone.

Sharma talks about being "Best in the World (BIW)" at what you do. It doesn't matter whether you are flipping burgers or saving lives you can stand out and be the person that others just think WOW I need to be around this person. Be somebody that people can't take their eyes off of. No matter how unglamorous your role may be it's your choice how to project yourself. Be positive. 

Don’t worry about what your business card says on that first day or where your desk is positioned. Sure it’s nice to have a spot of your own to make you feel like you have arrived but in the end that’s not important. It’s less about your position and more about your contribution.

Lead without a title no matter what your description is or area your work in. In every touch point you can add value to others and WOW. Be a person that others want to be around and somebody that makes solves problems for your employer so that issues don’t come about. This is done with an infectious personality through positive interactions.

The easier you can make their life the quicker you will elevate your career.

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Ghandi.

Bruce Lund is the Founder & CEO of NEXTPERT, a training and consulting firm offering insight and strategies to help recruit, train, and retain the BEST of the NEXT Generation leaders. Bruce is a Next Generation Expert completing his Ph.D. on the leadership of this unique group. Bruce has worked in and through many top organizations and teaches the whole self (Mind, Body, Heart, Spirit) approach in leading. He is seeking to become THE Leadership Expert Generation Y can count on for guidance to take them from where they are right now and teach them the distinctive habits of successful people to live an extraordinary life.