How to establish yourself as a young leader Viewpoint careers advice blog

How to establish yourself as a young leader Don’t see being young as an obstacle to establishing yourself as a figure of authority, but instead as an opportunity to be a new sort of leader, bringing a new perspective into the business. Transitioning into a leadership role at a young age isn’t easy. Managing colleagues who are older and more experienced than you can be tricky. Earning their respect and pacifying any jealousy they feel are things you must address early on. Come prepared When starting out in a new leadership role make sure your preparation begins not on your first day, but as soon as you accept the job offer. You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so you must demonstrate  awareness and an understanding of the business and your role within it from the moment you arrive. This will go a long way to gaining the respect of others. You can only learn so much from secondary research, however. In order to properly prepare for a leadership role you need at least some experience. Junior leadership roles that provide well for the demands of being a successful young professional include alumni associations, university/college societies, local charities and so on. Be a breath of fresh air From day 1, be clear on how you see the business progressing, which issues you see as key priorities and you intend to do first. Show respect for your colleagues ideas and encourage collaborative working Some colleagues may be cynical by your enthusiasm and feel that they have heard it all before. To tackle this, show respect for your colleagues ideas and encourage collaborative working. This is the most crucial step in your journey to being a recognised leader. Play out your arrival a period of transition for the entire team, as opposed to a sudden period of drastic overhaul. Communicate often, but listen more In your first couple of months try to listen more than you talk. You will never know everything about a company or a job until you immerse yourself in it, particularly if you do not have experience on your side. Listen to and appreciate the challenges of others who have been in the business longer than you have their expertise will be vital to your success. You can also gain the respect of your team by taking a genuine interest in each of them. If you give them the time of day then they are likely to return the favour. Great business leaders remain successful decades on because they have remained curious Stay curious Great business leaders remain successful decades on because they have remained curious. I’m thinking of people like Bill Gates and Richard Branson, who are tireless in their hunt for the latest innovations in technology, ensuring their skills are always relevant. Keep an eye out for developments that relate to your role. Knowledge of the latest trends can not only help your business grow, but will also help you be seen as a fountain of knowledge from which others can learn. A final thought The process of becoming a leader is one of organic growth that requires constant development, no matter what age you are. If you approach your new opportunity in the right way, you will soon see that you don’t need decades of experience to inspire and lead others. After all, age is only a number. Want to further hone your leadership skills? Our leadership tips and advice will help you become the leader you want to be 6 leadership styles you need to succeed Are your up and coming leaders coping or thriving? Great leaders put themselves second Leadership lessons from our sporting heroes The one skill set every leader needs More female leaders please //