A title doesn’t make you a leader.

But there is a conflict you must solve if you ever hope to have that title plus a management or team leadership position. Without having held a leadership position to point to, you’ll need to be able to show leadership at work to the individuals who decide whether or not to promote you.

However, being a part of a team produces leadership opportunities, which you have probably taken use of in the past. It’s possible that you were unaware of them or failed to notice them.

“Too many people attempt to push blame elsewhere and offer justifications, but exceptional leaders take responsibility for issues and endeavor to identify lessons and solutions.”

Here, I’ll discuss five ways to show leadership at work so you can spot those opportunities, seize them, and utilize them to convince others that you’re the leader they need:

1. Accept accountability

When new assignments are given, take the initiative to offer your services as soon as possible, especially if they fit your skill set. You should only volunteer for opportunities that give you a genuine chance to use or advance your abilities; if they don’t give you that chance then you don’t have to.

Furthermore, assume accountability for your efforts, especially when projects fail. Too many people attempt to place blame elsewhere and offer justifications, but exceptional leaders take responsibility for issues and endeavor to identify lessons and solutions. Having a sense of responsibility also distinguishes leaders who are destined to succeed from those who are not.

2. Include others

Every organization seeks out leaders that value the success of the team more than that of any one person. Making sure others are present at meetings, brainstorming sessions, and important decisions is the best way to illustrate that. Your readiness for leadership is demonstrated by your ability to involve others in your efforts or offer to assist others with their tasks.

You’ll gain knowledge about a wider range of experiences and skill sets by working together more. Additionally, you’ll establish connections with people who might someday be on the team you’re asked to head.

“Your readiness for leadership is demonstrated by your ability to involve others in your efforts or offer to assist others with their tasks.”

3. Be Vocal

Be prepared to contribute your ideas during meetings, provide feedback to coworkers and your supervisor, and advocate for ideas—yours or others’—during meetings where choices are being made. You don’t have to be a boisterous, outgoing person who is constantly thinking, but you do need to communicate your ideas.

If you have problems being heard at a group meeting, you can communicate privately via email or one-on-one with the people you want to hear your thoughts from. However, you owe it to your team to speak up if you genuinely think you have an excellent idea to share — and doing so will help you get noticed as a potential leader as well.

4. Always ask questions

Asking questions can be used for a variety of reasons, and it can be effective even when you don’t have anything to say. During team meetings or conversations with coworkers, asking questions encourages others to consider their ideas and identify potential improvements.

Asking questions demonstrates your commitment to the team, your passion, and your capacity to see things that others might not. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to participate even if you aren’t submitting an idea. In the end, asking insightful questions frequently results in you being regarded as a resource for assistance and advice – and sometimes even being given a new leadership position.

“Being a team player, speaking up, and asking questions are crucial. But if you’re doing that and yet performing poorly, your current position might not last for very long.”

5. Deliver

Always follow through on your promises. Finish your assignment on schedule and to the required standard. Make sure you can deliver on new duties before you volunteer for them.

In most businesses, top achievers are those who are given priority for leadership positions. Being a team player, speaking up, and asking questions are crucial. However, if you’re doing all of that and still performing poorly on your allocated tasks, you might not stay in your current position for very long, let alone be given consideration for leadership positions.

Remember: By engaging in these five activities, you’ll not only stand out while acting in a leadership capacity, but you’ll also learn new skills for yourself, effectively building your own leadership development program. Yes, they’ll give you material for an interview, but more importantly, they’ll give you new resources that will enable you to do your job more effectively.

By doing this, you’ll develop into a leader who can inspire your team to produce their greatest work ever even before you receive the title of leader.