Are You Ready To Be A Leader? Here’s How To Find Out

Have you been thinking about climbing the corporate ladder lately? Considering trying out for that team lead position that just opened up? It’s only natural to want to take the next step in your career. However, it’s essential to evaluate if it’s really the right time. The following questions will help you do that.

Are you a senior-level specialist in your current role?

First of all, how would both you and your manager describe your seniority in your current role – junior, mid-level or senior? No matter what role that may be, you need to know all the ins and outs of it. If you feel you’ve reached the top in your current position, that may be a sign that it’s time to share your knowledge with others and become a leader.

How do you feel about meetings?

Becoming a leader means having to attend more meetings than usual. Think weekly team meetings, regular one-on-one’s with each of your team members, management meetings, etc. Once you become a leader, your weeks become more and more filled with meetings. If you’re okay with that – becoming a leader might be the next step for you. However, if the thought of constant meetings makes you anxious – the leader role might not be the best fit.

Are you a people person?

As a team lead, it’s your responsibility to ensure trust and wellbeing within your team. This means, you have to maintain good relationships with each of your team members, which is easier said than done. Building and sustaining relationships takes a lot of work. Therefore, you have to evaluate if you’re willing to do that. 

Are you a strategic thinker?

Leaders must be strategic thinkers to ensure the success of their team. Not only do they have to come up with the KPIs for their team, but they also have to clearly understand the company’s goals and align them with their own. Not to mention, circumstances can change quickly at work, and it’s a team leader’s job to be proactive and be able to adapt their team to any changes.

Are you willing to let go?

A good leader will never micromanage. Therefore, you have to be willing to let go and allow your team members to take ownership of their tasks or projects. It’s your job to guide them, not micromanage every step of the way.