I’ve never been in a high leadership position. I see many women around me aiming for bigger and better roles in their workplaces, and I admire and celebrate this! But, personally . . . I’ve never felt the call to climb the ranks to a leadership position. If I’m being completely honest, that reality has made me feel as though I lack accomplishment or leadership skills. However, a mentor of mine once told me that regardless of the title I hold, I’m a leader everywhere I go! 

Author and speaker John C. Maxwell shared a similar sentiment.“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” I want that to sink in: Leadership is about one life influencing another. 

This is one of the most important things I want you to walk away with. Regardless of title, you are a leader through influence! Whether you’re a mom, friend, student, intern, barista, janitor, administrative assistant, or plugging away at an entry-level position, you have the ability to make an impact on the lives of those around you, and even the leaders above you!

No matter where you are professionally, here are four cornerstones of leadership to live by:

1. Lead Yourself Like a Boss
I once read a powerful quote that really stuck with me. It said, “The smallest crowd you will ever lead is yourself—but it is the most important crowd.” In order to be a good leader, you must lead a life that’s worthy of being followed. Be disciplined in your decision-making and seek to do what’s right—even if it’s not always convenient or popular. It’s important to analyze yourself, your motivations, and your actions. Think of it as an internal performance review. Be patient with yourself, know your limits, and find a trusted, constructive, and honest friend or mentor to keep you accountable. 

2. Lead by Serving
You can influence someone more profoundly through service than you can through status. Pour into those coming up behind you and do what you can to serve and support those above you—lead up, ladies! Do your leaders seem overwhelmed? What can you do to serve them well and carry that burden alongside them? Again, we must remember our limits and margin, but as much as you can, show that you’re willing to lend a helping hand.

3. Collaboration > Competition
It’s easy to live with a large chip on our shoulder.  Deserving women have and continue to be overlooked in the workplace in spite of being qualified, capable, and worthy. Because of that, it’s easy to secretly hope for the failure of those we may deem less qualified. This often leads to an unhealthy competitive spirit, making it harder to work well with others. But you don’t have to break someone else’s lightbulb to ensure yours shines brightly. 

If anything, compete against yourself! Challenge yourself every single day to be the absolute best person and employee possible. You don’t need to compete against your peers. Great leaders collaborate and push others to be better by example and through encouragement. Intentionally create safe and collaborative spaces where your coworkers can brainstorm and innovate.

4. Listen, Receive, and Learn
In a world that’s always buzzing, it sometimes feels as though the quiet, more introverted ones among us are at a disadvantage. They are constantly pushed to be “more outgoing.” However, there’s great value in being quiet or introverted, because it typically makes for being a good listener. 

The more you listen, the more you’re able to learn. Marketing Director Natalia Butenko advises, “Listen to understand, not to reply.” Listening allows us to learn habits and best practices in ways you wouldn’t otherwise, and allows others to feel valued, making you sought after as a trustworthy friend or peer.  Consider what others have to say as an opportunity to learn something new! You never know what others can teach you if you’re always the one talking, and when you do finally speak up, your words will carry much more weight.