Reman U
- Author: Angie Daugherty
- Subject Matter: Leadership
- Issue: It doesn’t have to come form the top
I had a conversation with my brother last night about his job and some struggles he is dealing with. As a project manager in the pharmaceutical industry, he’s a science guy. I’m a marketing gal, so you could say we see a lot of things very differently. He likes rules and structure. I’m a little more free form.
The project he is working on is behind schedule. He believes that there is nothing he can do about his team running behind. Leadership in the organization won’t support him trying out some new things to get his project headed in the right direction, he believes. “I’m just a peon and can’t do anything to change how things are done,” he said.
Hearing this made me a little sad. I wanted to start spouting off Gandhi quotes (You know the one: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”) and suggesting books and articles he should read. Instead, I shared these three thoughts:
- Leadership doesn’t have to come from the top. Just because you aren’t a manager or “the boss” doesn’t mean you can’t be a leader. Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes and your rank at work doesn’t determine the ability you have to lead. The best part about leading with a good example is that it’s infectious. Once you take the reins on leadership within your circle, others will follow.
- Your bosses didn’t start their careers in the same position. Chances are, they worked their way up. So, instead of complaining about what’s not getting done, do it. Prove to your superiors that you’re ready for the next step.
- Know when to ask for forgiveness instead of permission. It’s not the best practice to go against direct instructions, but proven success is hard to argue with. Action and small changes can lead to bigger ones. Start slowly, like trying a new project-management software or a new system. No one will get hurt or die.
In any industry, work can be frustrating. Projects run behind schedule. Wrong parts get ordered. You may not get the right attention for a problem you dedicated your entire week to solving. Maybe you feel stuck without solutions. Keep on working anyway. Leadership is not defined by title. Be defined by ability, the example you set, and the impact you make – at any level.
Angie Daugherty is Girl Wonder at ETE Reman and part of the Reman U author team. Reman U is a free e-newsletter that delivers best practices, lessons learned, and tricks of the trade to help you build a better transmission business.
