Leading Before the Title
A Lesson I Learned Early
Early in my career at a bank branch, something simple happened that would later shape my entire approach to leadership. This small moment taught me one of the most important leadership lessons of my life.
One day, our branch manager asked the team—more than fifteen staff members in the office— “Is there anyone here who can type in Amharic?” The room went silent. Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what to say. Then I raised my hand. Here’s the interesting part: I didn’t actually have professional Amharic typing skills or even experience. What I did have, however, was the courage to try and a genuine desire to solve a problem for my manager and take on responsibility beyond my assigned role.
So, I started typing.
At times, it meant skipping lunch or staying a little later to finish documents. But that extra effort gave me something far more valuable than convenience; it gave me learning opportunities. Through preparing official letters and loan contracts in Amharic, I began to understand how professional correspondence worked in the banking system. I also learned the ins and outs of loan documentation long before it became part of my formal responsibilities. Six months later, something unexpected happened.
The branch accountant was transferred to another branch, leaving the position vacant. Several senior customer service officers, who had been waiting for promotion for years, were still in line. Yet both the branch manager and the outgoing accountant recommended me for the position. I was promoted to Accountant within six months of joining the bank. And that was just the beginning. About two years later, I was promoted again; this time to Branch Manager Position. My career moved faster than many of my peers.
Looking back, I realized that my advancement wasn’t just about technical ability. Not because I was "luckier," but because I had the courage to influence. It was about communication, initiative, and leadership behaviors. I learned to look forward before others did, to go beyond the ordinary, and to take the extra mile when others stayed strictly within their job description. In short, I learned to lead myself before leading others.
Managing Your Boss: Leadership from Any Position
Since then, I’ve carried one simple philosophy throughout my career: Lighten your leader’s load. When you help your leader succeed, you build trust; and when trust grows, opportunities naturally follow. Over time, I discovered practical ways to do this.
- 1. Lead Yourself First
Take responsibility for your actions, stay disciplined, and keep initiative so you can perform effectively without waiting for direction. Take ownership of your role so your manager never has to "check-in" on your basic duties. - 2. Lighten Your Leader’s Load
Anticipate challenges, solve problems proactively, and support your leader before being asked. Solve the small problems before they reach the manager's desk so they can focus on the big ones. - 3. Do What Others Won’t
Step beyond your defined role, take initiative on difficult tasks, and be willing to handle responsibilities. Contributing to the gaps that others avoid makes you indispensable. - 4. Build Strong Relationships
Leadership is about influence, not authority. Invest in trust, respect, and collaboration with your leader, peers, and team to create influence and smoother teamwork. - 5. Be Reliable and Prepared
Consistency is the most underrated leadership trait. Deliver what you promise, honor your commitments, and never enter a meeting without having done your homework. Reliability creates a sense of psychological safety for your leader. - 6. Keep Growing
The moment you stop learning, you start shrinking. Continuously develop your technical and soft skills, knowledge, and perspective to increase your impact and stay ahead.
The Real Start of Leadership
Choosing to influence upward, alongside your peers, and those who look to you for guidance. Sometimes, leadership starts with something as simple as raising your hand in a silent room.