Here's how you can hone your leadership skills as a new team member.

1 Earn Trust

Building trust is the cornerstone of effective leadership. As a new team member, focus on being reliable, consistent, and transparent in your actions. Show up on time, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively. When you promise to do something, follow through. Your teammates will start to see you as dependable and trustworthy, which is essential for any leader. Remember, trust is earned through actions, not just words, so let your work ethic speak for itself.

3 Collaborate Effectively

Collaboration is at the heart of team building. As a new member, seek opportunities to work closely with others. Offer your skills and knowledge, but also be open to learning from your colleagues. Effective collaboration involves compromise, flexibility, and the ability to see the bigger picture. By showing that you're a team player who can work well with others, you're demonstrating a key leadership quality that's critical for any successful team.

4 Show Initiative

Leaders are individuals who take initiative. Don't wait for someone else to address a problem or suggest an improvement. If you see an opportunity for positive change or a solution to a challenge, speak up. Taking initiative shows that you're proactive and engaged in the success of the team. It also signals to your colleagues and supervisors that you're capable of thinking ahead and taking ownership of your role within the team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?