Becoming a leader is not just about having a title or years of experience. True leadership is about identifying needs, guiding action, and achieving results, no matter where you are in your career. In this article, we'll explore how you can take charge and lead right from where you are, leveraging your unique talents and making a difference in your workplace.

Introduction

Let me start by sharing with you the inspiring tale of Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox. Ursula grew up in a low-income, single mother household in New York City but went on to become the first African American Fortune 500 CEO. In 1989, while still an entry-level engineer, Ursula demonstrated her leadership qualities by standing up to an Executive VP's views on diversity during a company meeting. Her courageous actions impressed the Executive, who later hired her as his executive assistant, paving the way for her successful career.

Her story is a reminder that true leaders are not defined by their titles, but by their ability to utilize their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. By being proactive and confident in your voice, you too can step up and make a difference by leading from where you are, no matter what position you hold.

What It Means To Lead From Where You Are

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" -- Theodore Roosevelt

Take Malala Yousafzai, for example, who used her personal stories and voice to shift perceptions about women's roles in Pakistani society. Or Greta Thunberg, who inspired millions to take action on environmental issues through her soft power. These individuals demonstrate that leadership is something that can be earned, rather than given. By utilizing their "soft power" to persuade and influence others by appealing to their values and emotions, they were able to lead on a global scale without an official title.
While most early career actuaries may not aspire to such grand impact, their examples serve as a reminder that leadership can be demonstrated at any level. You too can inspire and influence your team and organization, regardless of your position.

Effective Leadership Tips for Your Current Position

You don't have to take on big assignments to start leading from your current position. Begin by taking small steps that can gradually improve your team's performance. Below are three practical tips for early career Actuaries to enhance their leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in their current role:

Cultivating Self-Awareness

Being self-aware is an essential quality for any leader to possess. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and values can help you make sound decisions and handle challenges with confidence.

For instance, suppose you identify as an introvert (like many of us in the field of Actuaries). In that case, you may excel at listening but find it challenging to voice your opinions. To show initiative in such situations, you can offer to take notes during meetings and share them with your team during client engagements. This will provide you with an opportunity to collect your thoughts before engaging in client conversations, enabling you to contribute to the discussion, even if you are not a subject matter expert.

Taking Initiative

Leadership requires taking initiative and being proactive. Instead of waiting for directions, actively seek out opportunities to add value to your role and make improvements.

For instance, suppose you're a recent graduate who has been assigned to a valuation project with established processes set by your managers or project leaders. In that case, take the time to understand the rationale behind the current processes and look for ways to enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and expedite tasks. Don't be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts and ideas with your managers and project leads.

Building Relationships in the Workplace

Creating positive relationships with your colleagues and superiors is essential for gaining influence and establishing yourself while learning valuable skills such as communication and negotiation.

Asking for help is an excellent way to build relationships, as it demonstrates trust and vulnerability, and provides an opportunity for the other person to contribute. During one-on-one meetings with your manager, consider asking for their perspective on challenging scenarios you may encounter, such as managing expectations or communicating complex concepts. Your manager may share stories from their experience, allowing you to gain their trust, respect, and make more substantial contributions to the team.

Conclusion

Leading from where you are requires taking small actions and being intentional about making a positive impact in the workplace. Remember, leadership is not just about a title or designation, but about the impact, influence, and inspiration you bring to your role.

Don't wait for a promotion or a title to start leading. Start leading from where you are today by developing self-awareness, taking initiative, and building relationships. By doing so, you can make a meaningful impact on your career and your workplace.