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Even if you don’t have a ‘Title’ there’s no reason why you can’t step up into a leadership role, especially if, for whatever reason, you can see there’s a bit of a void. Perhaps you’re part of a team with much younger, less experienced employees who require more leadership support than a team who have worked together for a while. Whatever the reason, the key is to take on a leadership role without overstepping boundaries and upsetting the rest of the team members.
Although to be a Manager you need to be given the title (and duties and responsibilities) by someone with the authority to do so, anyone can take on the role of leader within a team if they have the right skills. Sometimes you may not even necessarily ‘want’ to take over the role – it just falls into your lap and suddenly you realise the rest of the team is looking to you for direction and support. This is an example of how leadership can occur when others in your team have allowed you to influence their lives.
“Leadership is not rank, privilege, titles or money, it is responsibility.” Peter Drucker
If you can see your team would be much more successful if someone took over a leadership role, or perhaps developing leadership skills is something you would like to start doing for future career progression, here are some areas you can start to think about and work on…
Even when you think no one is watching, your good work ethic will be noticed and can help to set the standard for others in your team. Being a role model for others is a key characteristic of a successful leader.
Working to develop great professional relationships with your workmates, including those who are senior to you, can go a long way to increasing your effectiveness at work. It will also help develop your mentoring skills, which are useful as you move up the career ladder.
If someone in your team seems stressed or busy, offer to help if you have the time. Understanding the importance of being a team player means sometimes helping others in the team to work towards a common goal – for the good of your practice – even if you may not necessarily personally benefit from it.
Don’t underestimate your power to motivate and inspire others – especially if you have a greater level of skill or knowledge or even a stronger personality than others in your team. Sometimes all it takes is a cheery good morning or a silly joke to lift the mood and spirits of those around you – especially when times are tough and moods are low.
Be the person who suggests solutions and offers to manage the improvement project. Take any opportunity you can to put your hand up and volunteer for projects or offer to help out.
Don’t just be the person speaking up though, also take the time to listen to the points of view of others in your team. They may not necessarily want to take control but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a valid opinion and good ideas.
Be ready to admit when you make a mistake and view criticisms as an opportunity to learn and grow, NOT a personal attack.
Recognise and celebrate the accomplishments of others in your team. Your team members will appreciate your positive feedback even if you’re not the practice manager or owner.
Look outside the box…go beyond your jobLook outside your job and keep up with industry news and events – keep up with what’s going on both inside AND outside the veterinary industry. The external environment can have a huge impact on the day-to-day working of your veterinary practice and the more you know, the more prepared you can be.
Don’t ever stop learning. Become a subject expert by participating in as many learning opportunities as you can find. There’s a huge range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities within the veterinary industry, from conferences to seminars, webinars and workshops – you can find them all in Vetanswers’ online What’s on? Veterinary CPD Calendar. And don’t forget all the opportunities you have to learn every day at work. Ask questions, find out why and keep your eyes open – informal opportunities to learn are all around you.
Although you may not have a Title, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference in how successfully your team operates. Taking on an informal leadership role may not immediately lead to more dollars in your pay packet but it will lead to greater job satisfaction and the potential to develop your career in the future.
After a career in HR working in a range of service industries and teaching at TAFE for several years, I then (somewhat accidentally) found myself in the veterinary industry and here I’ve stayed because I love the people and what they do. I created the Vetanswers Community to provide the support, resources and solutions to help our members build happy, successful, profitable businesses and careers.
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