Women and Leadership: How you know you're a leader

I can't count the number of times I sat in an office in my 20's and asked the one question that absolutely killed my boss's patience: "But...how will this task I'm doing impact that task over there?"

That's the question a leader asks. Leaders want to know the 360-degree and it's not because they are ego-starved for power; it's because they understand that no one thing in business lives in a vacuum. Everything impacts everything else!

Leaders - real leaders - understand that their job is to serve those below them, to help them do their best work, to invite them to grow in ways that will benefit them personally as well as benefit the company.

This kind of leader is too rare. But it might be you. And if you are that kind of leader, it's time to approach that understanding within yourself. 

You know you're a leader if...

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1. You can't help but speak up when opinions are asked for, because you know that the input you have to offer will add a viewpoint that has been ignored up to now...and you can't stand to see things done badly, particularly due to oversights or active neglect. Quality and thoroughness are some of your drivers.

2. You are constantly asking questions. This is another thing that drives your bosses crazy, because they really want you just to shut up and perform, and that's not how you roll. At all.

3. You are as concerned with the people as you are with the task. Your understanding that people are not widgets is something that makes you take extra time with people when you're working with them, or teaching them. That extra time may look to others like goofing off, but you know that you are building relationships, and trust, and that is not task-based, it is attitude-based.

If you are a leader, but either not yet a leader in your role or not the kind of leader that takes the time to work with the 360-degree-and-people-first philosophy, congratulations! You are standing on the brink of your own greatness. Start by claiming that leadership as your identity. Change always starts as an inside job - whether we're aware of it or not - so start by knowing who you are.

And then, go out and break the rules and be your​ kind of leader.