Unless you’re in a small minority of people who come out of school with a business ready made, chances are you’ve worked for someone other than yourself.  According to data on statiscbrain.com, of the 318 million people in America, only 400,400 are CEO’s – so it’s highly likely that you’ll always work for someone.  However, you shouldn’t let that fact limit your leadership capacity.

Leading when you’re not in charge can be frustrating but it doesn’t have to be. Here are five ways to lead without limits at any level.

1. Pursue purpose not position

My mom always told me “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”  Although this sounds positional, what my mom really taught was to pursue purpose and exceed expectations at any level.  Pursing purpose on the job enables you to realize your contribution is a significant piece of a much larger puzzle. When you pursue purpose, position becomes null and void.  Common thoughts like “that’s not my job” and “someone else will do it” are eliminated.

2. Lead Thyself

Leading when you’re not in charge starts with leading you.  Focus on leading yourself by making an intentional plan for your own development, monitoring your attitude, demonstrating excellence, and developing discipline.  If you can lead yourself, inevitably you will become desirable and the people in charge will want to lead you as well.  As a result you may be trusted to lead next.

3. Apply the FANFI Principle

Find A Need And Fill It (FANFI)! In his book Common Sense Business, Steve Gottry discusses the FANFI principle.  The thing that separates leaders from everyone else is they aren’t waiting on the person in charge to tell them what to do.  They’re knocking their job out and finding and filling other needs with in the organization as well.

4. Choose accomplishment over authority

Leaders are goal oriented and constantly look for ways to improve.  They understand that authority doesn’t equal accomplishment.  Instead of dwelling on authority you don’t have, harness the power you do have to accomplish something unimaginable. Then, in turn, inspire others and multiply the impact.

5. Think Critically

Regardless of title, position, salary, or authority, great leaders at any level are constantly thinking….

• How can our programs or products become better?
• What can we do to create an amazing experience for our customer?
• After we achieve this task what’s the next goal to tackle?

Simply put, think like the owner and not like an employee.  Thinking critically enables you to contribute to driving the organization forward.

What i’ve learned over the years is there is a difference between the practice of power and the practice of leadership. The practice of power is all about position, control, and authority.  Conversely, the practice of leadership begins with assuming that you aren’t “in charge”.  Once this is embraced as a starting point, if you are able to mobilize others to accomplish amazing things, then you are a leader who may eventually end up in charge of more.

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Communication doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Here’s a simple crash course to immediately create better communication.

1. Start with Writing: 

Think back to that last meeting, webinar, speech, or even book that you read. How much of the content was rambling, repeat information, or fillers? Before communicating anything, clear your thoughts from clutter by starting with a pen and paper. Quickly writing your thoughts will force you to dial in and get crystal clear on your message. Michael Hyatt frequently says this phrase that I love, “what goes from lips, through fingertips, usually sticks”.   

2. Be Concise: 

When communicating, get the point quickly. Since communication runs 2-ways, be sure to check for comprehension and receive feedback; but warn your team that no piggybacking or repeats are permitted (these are just time wasters). After understanding is achieved, move on to the next topic.

3. Keep it Consistent:

Everyone is a creature of habit and the best way create a culture where communication is fostered is to establish and maintain consistent routines.  Whether its:

• regular recurring meetings
• video/conference calls
• reports etc.

the team should be aware of defined modes of communication and they should be scheduled. Scheduling the consistent session means that the communication won’t get bypassed by today’s emergency.

4. Choose the Correct Medium:  

Don’t make the common mistake of using the wrong means to communicate. Before you start communicating ask yourself….. is this “head knowledge” or “heart knowledge” and, based on the response, choose the correct communication medium.  Head knowledge is communication that:

• involves dates and times
• communicating facts
• scheduling and coordination
• simple updates

Head knowledge is easily communicated remotely through email and conference calls.

Conversely, heart knowledge is communication that is better received when the communicator is able to leverage emotions and body language. Heart knowledge includes:

• vision casting
• project launches
• confronting challenges
• introducing a pivot
• program evaluation

Heart knowledge should almost always be communicated either in person or via video conference.

We all want to be better communicators. These are few things that you can immediately add to your current communication processes. When executed, these 4 simple practices can improve your organization’s communication, boost morale, and increase overall productivity.