Everyone in IT knows that your ability to work well with others is at least as important as your technical acumen. But while “teamwork” is a mantra for just about everyone, leadership is often left to higher ups. Here's the thing: leadership matters to you, right now, even if you don't want to have your name on a parking place some day.
Look around at your work environment, tools, and processes: how could things be better? What one change could you envision that would make you more productive? Or more relevant to the company? How about for your whole team, or division?
You want to be careful here, especially at first.
You might get fired up about some of your ideas and want to run straight to your boss and fill him in on all the great stuff he should be doing. There are often reasons, and sometimes good reasons, that things are the way they are, and you or your boss may not be able to change those things right now.
The key is to take the time to do the thinking. Then, as time goes on, look for appropriate opportunities to share your ideas with those around and get their feedback. Then, when you're at that staff meeting and out of the blue the boss says “How can we make things better?” you'll be ready.
3. Responsibility
Take responsibility for your own actions. For example, when someone compliments you for a job well done, accept their thanks or congratulations humbly.
By the same token when you make a mistake, don't make excuses or try to avoid the blame. Admit your error, learn from it, and don't fail in the same way again. And if you want extra credit, go find the people you inconvenienced and apologize.
4. Recognition and reward
We all like to be recognized for our contributions. But this recognition doesn't just have to come from the boss.
When a coworker meets a milestone or stays all night to pull the team out of a jam, say “thanks” or give a word of congratulations. It doesn't have to be fancy or formal.
This is a great habit to form early in your career, and giving this kind of peer support also provides a low penalty learning environment to discover what kinds of praise and recognition people respond best to.
5. Mentorship
One of the most valuable aspects of leadership is the strong desire to develop others so that they can reach their full potential. But, again, you don't have to wait until you are the boss to start doing this.
As you learn and develop, look for opportunities to pass your skills on to others. Helping others develop is immensely fulfilling, but its also great for your team and can help establish you as a trusted expert with your peers and a valuable leader to your boss. Just don't spend so much time helping others that you don't get your own job done!
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