As a people manager, there are certain individuals I naturally pay more attention to. They may not be ready for promotion yet, but I can clearly see them as future leaders. They don’t just do their jobs—they do them in a way that makes my life easier.
I hear similar stories during layoffs. Some individuals are the ones leaders fight to keep at any cost. On the surface, they don’t seem much different from their peers, and people often wonder, Why them?
These are the people who not only excel at their work but also anticipate what I need—sometimes even before I ask. They get things done faster than most. They don’t just focus on their own tasks; they engage in broader discussions, form opinions, and share them confidently. They understand how different teams fit together and are respected across functions. They show up to larger meetings like all-hands, stay engaged, and when asked, contribute meaningful insights.
I’ve noticed five common behaviors among them. Each one seems small on its own, but together, they create a powerful impact.
1. Building Connections
When they join a new team, they don’t just settle in—they actively seek out key connections. They meet people not only in their immediate team but across different functions, understanding their challenges and finding ways to help. They build relationships at all levels, from new hires to executives, gaining a broader view of how the company operates and where they can add value.
2. Creating Leadership Opportunities
They step into leadership roles—whether within the company or beyond. If no opportunities exist, they create their own, organizing book clubs, lunch-and-learn sessions, or casual networking events. These don’t require much effort but provide exposure to new people, spark valuable conversations, and establish them as leaders.
Even when they’re too busy to organize something, they contribute in smaller ways—offering feedback on strategy documents, volunteering for projects, or simply showing up with a helpful attitude. Leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about taking initiative.
3. Be Present for the Team
Most people tune out or multitask during all-hands meetings, seeing them as unproductive. These individuals think differently. They show up, pay attention, and even if they don’t speak, they stay engaged. When called on, they respond with thoughtful insights.
This not only helps them stay aligned with leadership’s priorities but also signals that they care about the organization as a whole—not just their personal tasks. Over time, this visibility makes a difference.
4. Lead with Curiosity
At some point, you’ll encounter people who don’t understand your work or even challenge it. It’s easy to get defensive and think, They should know this already. But these individuals take a different approach—they lead with curiosity.
Instead of reacting, they ask questions and seek to understand. This small mindset shift changes everything. Instead of being seen as difficult, they’re recognized as experts who bring value, as team players others want to collaborate with. What could have been a blocker turns into an opportunity for influence—and sometimes, a future sponsor.
5. Thinking Like an Owner
This mindset ties everything together. These individuals never say, That’s not my job. Instead, they take ownership of problems, big or small.
They think about challenges from a leadership perspective—If I were in charge, how would I handle this? When they see leaders make different decisions, they ask thoughtful questions and share their perspective. This does two things: it helps them understand leadership’s thought process (and any missing context), and it makes them memorable to senior leaders.
Leaders appreciate those who ask smart questions and push for better solutions. Over time, these interactions sharpen their decision-making skills and prepare them to lead at higher levels.
What about you?
Which of these five behaviors resonates most with you? Where do you see the biggest opportunity for growth? What questions do you have? Email me—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
And if you want to develop these skills alongside other women leaders, join WLC (Women Leaders Club).
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