RISE TO THE OCCASION

Starting your day by thinking about what kind of leader you want to be can make you more effective at work – even if you’re not the boss, a new study from the University of Florida reveals. “It’s as simple as taking a few moments in the morning to reflect on who you want to be as a leader,” says author of the study, Remy Jennings. The researchers recommend asking yourself questions such as: What qualities do you have that make you a good leader, or will in the future? What effect do you want to have on your colleagues? Do you want to motivate them? Inspire them? Identify and develop their talents? What skills or traits do you have that can help with those goals? It was found that when study participants began their day by considering these questions, they were more likely to report helping co-workers and providing strategic vision than on days they didn’t. They also felt more in charge on those days, perceiving more power and influence in the office. And unlike being given extra responsibility or leading a team project, a morning reflection is under the employee’s control. “They’re not dependent on their organisation to provide formal opportunities. They don’t have to wait for that ‘leader’ title to take on leadership at work,” Jennings says.