Do It Yourself Leadership

Shannon Vittur Sr. Program Manager

Memphis, TN

Introduction

Today’s Objectives

• Explore leadership opportunities around all of us

• Learn what can be gained from different opportunities

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If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are

a leader.

-John Quincy Adams

Want to Learn to Lead…Look Around You!

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Opportunities Close to You: Your Organization

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Opportunity

What you gain

Help coordinate a staff meeting

1. Meeting organization skills

2. Improved relationship with manager

Assist with leading a part of a project

1. Project mgt. skills 2. Reputation for

being willing to help

3. Improved team relationships

Lead a brainstorming

session

1. Facilitation skills 2. Reputation for

being creative 3. Showcase your

subject matter expertise

Low risk – dealing with subjects & people you know Confidence builder – but you have to ask

Opportunities Further Away: Your Company

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Opportunity

What you gain

Ask for a stretch project/assignment

1. Getting out of comfort zone

2. Learning new parts of business

3. Knowing new people

Lead / start an employee resource group / committee

1. Leading outside your function

2. Influence & motivational skills

3. Visibility & trust

Join a company-wide initiative /

network

1. Global exposure 2. Broader network 3. Can be a “Voice”

of your business

Higher risk – have to know you can manage uncertainty Can show adaptability & courage Very good for visibility & building networks

Opportunities beyond your job: Your Community

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Opportunity

What you gain

Lead a volunteer project

1. Organizational skills

2. Managing without authority

3. Giving back!

Tutor / Mentor students

1. Mentoring & motivational skills

2. Developing next generation

3. Sharpen skills

Leadership in a professional organization

1. Networks 2. Connection to

areas important to you

3. Think SWE(!) or Alumni clubs

Low to Medium risk – Safe place to learn but organizations depend on you to be successful

Can help improve work-life balance

In Summary…

• You are surrounded by opportunities to improve your leadership

• Easy wins can be found in areas around you every day in your project & function

• Company committees, resource groups, & networks are great ways to challenge yourself & gain visibility

• Community organizations are rewarding and can teach you as much as your day job.

Just never be afraid to ask to do something new!

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