Am I a leader? Top 3 signs you are!

Written by: Marisol A. Antunez, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

Have you ever wondered if a leadership role is right for you? In my position, I work with leaders on a daily basis and I am always learning and observing their leadership qualities. Regardless of formal leadership education and training, some leaders just have the “with-it-ness” that sets them apart from the flock. Below are three signs that can help answer this question for you: Am I a leader?

You inspire:

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” People want to be inspired. People naturally gravitate toward those who inspire them to do more, to take chances, to run that extra mile toward greatness. A good leader inspires others through their own actions–actions that an aspiring leader should note.

Patricia Brown, AVP, Talent Acquisition at Northwell Health commented, “For me, the quality that made me realize I wanted to be in leadership was the ability to influence change in people.” Words can be encouraging but actions have a lasting effect. Great leaders are passionate about their work and genuinely love to nurture growth in those around them.

You are a visionary/innovator:

You see the whole picture. You see it, you paint it, and you sell it! Leaders naturally are able to think outside the box, be creative, and welcome challenges.  Innovation is one of the keys to success in any organization.

If you find yourself always looking for fresh new ideas, coloring outside the lines, and working passionately to contribute to your company as a whole, then you have what it takes to be a leader!

You are a good communicator:

Ever heard the phrase, “It’s not what you say but how you say it?” Communication is an art and a good leader is an expert; consider that leader the Vincent van Gogh of communication. They use their words carefully to be able to share their innovative ideas and get others engaged and excited. They know exactly how to craft the perfect email to present ideas/projects, or address any situation at a professional level. Communication is a pivotal key to being a good leader. Communication and collaboration go hand-in-hand.

Maybe these skills come naturally to you, and if so, then you have discovered your true calling! But these skills can also be developed. With the help of other leaders and mentors, you will learn what it takes to be a great leader who builds a strong, capable, goal-oriented team. So ask yourself, “Do I have what it takes to be a leader?” Remember this, a leader doesn’t always have a certain title. People can exhibit leadership qualities every day! Share your experience, spread your knowledge, infect others with optimism, and people will see you as an inspirational leader.

At Northwell, we try and foster these skills in our current and future leaders. Employees can take classes at our Center for Learning and Innovation to develop themselves professionally. Mentorship programs also exist for employees to use our leadership as a resource for their own growth and professional development. Getting active in our Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) or volunteering also helps cultivate leadership skills.  “Try to learn from everyone around you, staff and leaders because that is what will form your leadership practice in the future,” advises Barbara Vetoulis, nurse manager of Medical/Surgical at Phelps Hospital, “Learn from leaders that you look up to and consider a good role model.”