If you want to rapidly rise up the leadership ladder, these are the things to do:
- Don’t wait for people to tell you what to do. Identify problems or areas where can you contribute and then offer specific help. Take responsibility, even if small ones – and deliver.
- When you flag a problem, if possible, also suggest alternative solutions. This is an extremely underrated trait.
- If you or your team makes a mistake, take responsibility even for the team (if it makes sense). Once a senior guy in my previous company told me, “It was not my fault, I did my part.” That was the moment I lost all respect for him — because he was responsible for everything. Oh, and by the way, if you are the CEO, it is all your fault — no exceptions.
- Don’t badmouth people behind their backs. And if others do that, step out of that conversation – signal that you are above pettiness.
- Even if someone from another team is facing a problem, see if you can help. Don’t say, ‘That is not my problem.’
- Finally, whenever possible, make sure that the buck stops with you.
Caveat: Do all of the above only within the limits of reason. I am not suggesting that you take up the world’s responsibility and drown in it.
When we join as a fresher, we are told what to do. But sometimes, that becomes our permanent mindset — don’t let it happen.
The day you start taking responsibility is the day you start growing.
– Rajan