How to be Seen as a Leader at Work and get Promoted Quick
By Martin Robert Hall
March 27, 2015 • Fact checked by Dumb Little Man
Some people watch it happen. Some people say what happened. And some people make it happen.
The world and more importantly your workplace is crying out for people who make it happen.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking that leadership is in a title.
“I couldn’t do that, that is only for managers or senior people” people often think.
I should know, I used to do that myself.
Well in order to be seen as a leader or a potential leader, you must act like one. Not then, but now.
There is actually a phenomenon called the bystander effect which looks at why people fail to take the lead in situations when others are also present.
The research is fascinating.
In one experiment, college students in New York acted as though they were having epileptic seizures. When there was only one bystander present, the student received an offer of help 85 percent of the time. But when five bystanders were present, the student only received an offer of help 31 percent of the time.
All of the research supports the fact that when others are present, most people expect someone else to take the lead. People like to be led.
This is great news for you because every business needs people who are willing to take the lead and the research shows that most people are waiting for somebody else to do it. This is your opportunity.
Look for situations at work where you can take the lead. If you are looking out for them every day you will start to notice there are many.
When you start taking the lead you will begin to be noticed. This will really stand you out from the crowd and you will be putting yourself firmly in line for promotion opportunities.
Make yourself indispensable. Take the lead and make things happen.
Martin Robert Hall
Martin Robert Hall is an author, motivational speaker and performance coach based in the UK. He is fascinated with the science and psychology behind high performance and success.