Before I officially stepped into a leadership position, I made a conscious decision: I would start thinking of myself as a leader before it was written on paper. I knew that leadership wasn’t just about having the title. It’s about how you show up, how you contribute, and how you influence those around you.

Looking back, it wasn’t always easy. Some people around me thought it was odd that I took on tasks outside of my official responsibilities. They saw my extra efforts—whether it was leading projects, collaborating on new initiatives, or building my blog—as “extra work” or unnecessary. But to me, it wasn’t extra work at all. I love what I do, and I enjoyed pushing myself beyond the day-to-day routine.

Every new responsibility I embraced brought me something priceless: confidence. And one day, someone I deeply respected, who was much more senior than me, shared a story that shifted my perspective. They had faced a tricky situation at work, and while deciding how to handle it, they said, “Well, Amy would never do that.” It struck me that this person was using me as a guide for their actions.

In that moment, I realised something important: I had become a leader, even though it wasn’t yet in my job title. That experience made me think deeply about how others can step into leadership—even before they are officially given the role. Here’s how you can do it too.

1. Take Ownership of Projects Beyond Your Role (From an Empowered Perspective)

One of the best ways to step into leadership is to take ownership of projects that fall outside your job description, but it’s important to do this from an empowered perspective. You shouldn’t take on extra responsibilities just to impress others or out of obligation—it should align with your passions and long-term goals.

Carefully decide which projects or tasks to take on. Think about how they will help you grow, what skills you’ll develop, and how they’ll contribute to your future leadership. When you choose tasks that energise and challenge you, the benefits are much greater, and the work feels less like a burden and more like an investment in yourself.

The more you stretch yourself in meaningful ways, the more you’ll grow in confidence—and people will begin to notice.

2. Build Your Own Platform

For me, starting my blog was one of the most significant ways I established myself as a leader. It wasn’t just about writing—it was about sharing my insights, learning new skills, and creating a platform where I could connect with others. Blogging (or any creative outlet you choose) forces you to think deeply about your expertise and how you can share value with others. It’s also a great way to showcase your thought leadership and passion for your field.

If you create something meaningful, it won’t be seen as “extra work” for long—it will become a testament to your dedication.

3. Invest Time in Your Development Outside of Work

One of the biggest traps is believing that leadership development only happens during office hours. But often, the most valuable growth comes from what you do outside of work. For me, attending Toastmasters was part of that. It helped me improve my communication, sharpen my impromptu speaking, and practice giving and receiving feedback—skills that are crucial in leadership.

Taking time in the evenings or weekends to attend a class, join a group, or work on personal projects can have a profound impact on your career. You’re not just developing skills—you’re showing that you’re willing to invest in yourself for the long haul.

4. Increase Your Visibility

Doing great work is important, but if no one sees it, it might not be recognised. Increasing your visibility is a crucial aspect of becoming a leader before you have the title. Look for opportunities to showcase your work—whether that’s through presenting your ideas at meetings, sharing your achievements in performance reviews, or even engaging in cross-departmental collaborations that put your skills on display.

But visibility isn’t just about you. As a leader, it’s also important to shine a light on the work of others. So many people do fantastic work that goes unnoticed, and part of your role as an emerging leader is to champion them. When you highlight the successes of others, you create a culture of recognition and collaboration. I don’t live in a competition mindset. I love seeing others succeed, and their success serves as inspiration for my own.

Leadership isn’t about being the best in the room—it’s about lifting others up and building a team that thrives together.

5. Trust the Process

Leadership is a journey, not an overnight transformation. The key is to trust the process. Every small step you take, whether it’s volunteering for an extra task or dedicating time to personal development, builds up over time. Just like investing, every bit of effort compounds, gaining momentum as you go.

If you keep consistently “paying in” through your hard work and willingness to take on new challenges, you’ll be surprised by how much it pays off in the future. The more you embrace these opportunities, the closer you’ll get to the leader you aspire to be.

6. Be the Example Others Look To

This is where leadership truly comes to life. Even if you don’t yet have direct reports, people notice how you behave, how you handle adversity, and how you approach your work. When others start to look to you for guidance or inspiration, it means you are stepping into the shoes of a leader.

For me, the moment when someone said, “Amy would never do that,” was a turning point. It made me realise that leadership is often about leading by example, even when you don’t know others are watching. Your consistent actions, decisions, and integrity matter. So, ask yourself: What kind of leader do I want to be? And then, start embodying those qualities every day.

Act Before You Feel Ready

Becoming a leader isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment or title. It’s about acting before you’re ready, taking on challenges, and stretching yourself beyond the limits of your role. When you show up as a leader today, you’re not just preparing for the future—you’re already influencing and inspiring others in ways you may not even realise.

So, if you’re wondering when it’s your time to step up, the answer is now. Start leading before you have the title and watch how your confidence and impact grow.