Most days it feels like I looked up and somehow found myself in the boss’s seat. A series of everyday acts, little victories, and plenty of my own missteps all led to the role I’m in today. But if we were sitting across from each other right now, I’d probably tell you that it feels a lot more like I tripped right into this position instead of fighting or climbing for it. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I think there’s something to be said about the “accidental leader”—I know, I know, it feels opposite of buzz words like “intentional.” And I don’t say “accidental” to mean it happens carelessly or flippantly.
What would happen if we spent less time pushing, hustling, and proving to attain a title, and more time allowing the very best parts of our talent, perspective, and experiences to extend to the people around us? Leading can be less of a directive and more of a natural overflow of who we really are.
Here are my three biggest takeaways after my first unexpected year as an “accidental leader.”
- “There is no one who can do what I do.”—Miranda Priestly, The Devil Wears Prada
Remember this scene? Miranda, the super chic and low-key terrifying editor, sat in the back of a limo and delivered this iconic sentiment.
Thankfully, I’ve learned just the opposite—a lot of people can do what I do! And I have found freedom in that. Unclenching our fists and giving responsibility to those around us not only restores our own sanity but it produces infinitely better results! Every day my team envisions, creates, and executes in ways I could never pull off on my own and it wouldn’t be happening if I subscribed to Miranda’s logic.
The next time you’re hesitant to give creative liberties or action items to your team, go back to the 70% rule—if someone can perform a task at least 70% as well as you can, then delegate it.
- “Consistency is an under-appreciated form of intentional magic disguised as a mundane doing.”—Victoria Erickson
Most of us are looking for that one, unique thing that will surely set us apart, but what if the everyday tasks all add up to become the biggest difference-maker? Carefully adding finishing touches, wrapping up a project early, checking in, actually receiving and incorporating feedback—and being known for these things—are, in fact, the magic we didn’t know we needed.
It’s true what they say about going the extra mile—it’s never crowded. When done with consistency and care, the mundane often presents us with the greatest opportunities to grow and lead.
- “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
When I reflect back on this year, my biggest “victories” started with this. When I empowered a team member, they created something amazing. When I took the time to value and understand a coworker, they walked away feeling validated and far happier. When I respected and listened to my leadership, they gained greater confidence in me.
Some of my biggest “fails” stemmed from forgetting this simple approach. There were plenty of times when a team member walked away from a project dissatisfied and counted it as a loss even when the end-product seemed nearly perfect. Nothing we create or execute can ever outweigh or replace how we make people feel when they work alongside us—and that is a humbling but honest leadership lesson to learn.
Invest your energy in people, look for moments to make someone else the hero, and be the one your team can consistently count on—focus on that, and “leading” will accidentally follow.
Lauren is a South Florida native fueled by coffee and living by her wall-sized, dry erase calendar. By day, you can find her leading a team of some of her favorite marketing girls at a local non-profit, and by night you can probably find her staying up too late.