Many people believe that climbing the corporate ladder or attaining impressive credentials is the only way to become influential at work. This, however, is a common myth. Leadership is a skill, not a title, and top leaders do not wait for a promotion to take charge. They begin working on their leadership skills early on.

To be an influential leader, you need to shift your perspective and mindset. While it's natural to think of yourself first, analyzing what you'll gain from a circumstance, job, or relationship, strong leaders know that their level of success is directly proportional to the value they add to their team or organization and the number of people they impact as a result.

Here are three things you can do right now to improve your leadership skills and grow to become a more influential and respected team member:

1) Everything begins with your dedication to growth

It is essential to commit to and make time for daily growth in order to become more influential at work. Seek the advice of a mentor or respected leader in your organization. How did they get to this point? What are the non-negotiable competencies and skills that they had to acquire in order to achieve their level of success?

In addition to seeking opportunities to learn outside of work, it's important to continuously develop your knowledge and skills as a leader. Consider enrolling in courses or attending workshops that explore topics such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and effective communication. Furthermore, expanding your understanding of different cultures and global business practices can help you become a more well-rounded and effective leader. Take the time to read books or articles on these subjects, and seek out mentorship or coaching from experienced leaders in your network. Remember, becoming a great leader is a lifelong journey and requires a commitment to ongoing learning and growth.

You can also attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions. These events provide opportunities to network with professionals in your field, which can lead to new business partnerships or job opportunities. Additionally, attending these events can expose you to new techniques and best practices that you can apply to your work, ultimately leading to greater efficiency and productivity. When you challenge yourself to learn something new every day, you will become more valuable to your colleagues and clients in terms of the depth and diversity of your knowledge, as well as the level of impact you can generate through your work.

2) Your strengths are your assets

Up-and-coming leaders often make the mistake of focusing solely on improving their weaknesses, but this approach can be counterproductive when it comes to building influence. While it's important to address areas that need improvement, it's equally crucial to identify and leverage your strengths to maximize your potential as a leader.

To discover your strengths, begin by asking yourself a few simple questions. What tasks at work do you find most energizing and fulfilling? In which projects do you consistently excel and enjoy working on? When was the last time someone praised you for a specific contribution you made? What was the last project that left you feeling proud of the impact you made?

Once you've identified your strengths, consider taking on tasks or projects that allow you to showcase them. By consistently demonstrating your abilities, your colleagues will begin to perceive you as a valuable asset to their work. As you build trust with your colleagues, your influence within the workplace will increase, enabling you to effect positive change and make a lasting impact.

Leadership is not about your title; it's about the value you add and the impact you make. - Joshua Wong

3) Work on your ability to connect with others

To be a truly effective leader, one must be able to connect with people on a deeper level. This requires the ability to empathize, listen actively, and communicate effectively in a way that resonates with people from all walks of life.

It is true that some people are naturally more outgoing and extraverted, and may therefore have an easier time connecting with others. However, this does not mean that introverts or ambiverts cannot make great leaders as well. In fact, introverted leaders may have certain advantages over their extroverted counterparts, such as being more thoughtful and reflective, and taking the time to carefully consider all options before making a decision.

Ultimately, what makes a great leader is not their natural gifts or talents, but their ability to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal. This requires a combination of emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. So whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, with the right mindset and skills, anyone can learn to become a great leader.

Here are 3 factors to keep in mind while you work on your ability to connect with others:

• Be Authentic: Going first and leading by example, rather than following the pack, is always a good place to start. Taking a few minutes in conversation with coworkers to share something you're currently passionate about or a dream or goal you have for the coming year, can also help foster more authenticity.
• Be Empathetic: Every person we meet is fighting a battle we don't know. Remembering this during each interaction, especially when someone makes a mistake, completely alters how we react in a given situation. Be willing to give people the benefit of the doubt.
• Be Vulnerable: Vulnerability helps to break down the barriers that people naturally build when communicating with someone new or in a professional setting. It will be easier for them to receive your message once those barriers are broken down. When the opportunity arises, be willing to open up and be honest about what's going on in your life.

Your title has nothing to do with your ability to influence others. The more you can add value and influence others, the better your career trajectory and impact will be. Committing to personal development, embracing your unique skills, and connecting on a deeper level with others will help you get where you want to go.

If you are interested in learning more about leadership, check out my article on 3 Lessons that I've Learnt as a Leader!