We’ve all had many “first” time events. As a child I had my share, but there is one I vividly recall. It was my first day of school after arriving in this country and I joined my fellow sixth graders. This particular “first” was somewhat traumatic because of the combination of the language barrier, as well as my adjustment to a new country and culture. A recent change in my professional career reminded me of the anxiety one can feel when facing a “first.” A new job and a new team can be daunting for anyone. It can generate the kind of anticipation that keeps you awake at night.

We have expectations that can run high. We question how we will be welcome and accepted, and how our management/working style will fit into an existing culture. It had been four years since the last time I started a new job and joined a new team. The experience brought back similar feelings and anticipation not unlike my first day of school so many years ago. I found myself drawing from previous experiences on how to connect and become a contributor in this new role.

Of course, first impressions are critical to making a connection with others. I focused on my first meeting, call, in-person interaction, etc. All this preparation was because I remembered another first day and first meeting in years past when a new direct report asked me in disbelief if she now “worked for me.” I was hoping there would be no similar insecurities of how I would assume my role, but rather I would make my own contributions to the success of the organization.

My personal philosophy is that you “lead from the front.” This term best describes leaders that get involved at all levels and engage in the everyday management of the organization. I’ve had the great fortune to have worked with several very successful and influential leaders in my professional career. One commonality is how each of them interacted at the different levels of the enterprise. If I was to draw a correlation between the ones I’d most like to emulate, it’s that they all participated in and performed activities not common for someone in their role. In comparison, the less effective leaders led by the title printed on their business cards, which was always prominently displayed.

I strongly believe leadership is intentional. I am excited to work for a tech start-up and with a small team. This means we all wear many hats. Our days fluctuate from strategic to tactical, and that is what is needed. Our calendars are filled with many tasks, and none is more important than the collaboration with each other for the benefit of the growth and success of our organization.

Leading from the front will inspire others in the organization to do the same for many reasons:

1. It provides the opportunity to coach and mentor in place.
2. You are actively engaged in daily activities to move the organization forward.
3. You become an effective coach when along with your team you execute a strategy or plan which generates the expected results.
4. You can be a cheerleader and supporter during difficult tasks required to accomplish a desired success.
5. You are seen as a direct contributor and not a boardroom suit/executive.

Author John C. Maxwell shared, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” When we influence, we can change the course and the outcome. Maxwell also said, “leaders must be close enough to relate to others, but far enough to motivate them.” And this is the difference between knowing how to navigate between your strategic and tactical self. My hope for one of my legacies is that my coaching, mentorship, and leadership will have impacted those around me and that in a small way I was able to shape their future for the better.

Every day I am inspired by those around me “leading from the front.” I am encouraged by those selfless and title-less doers who sacrifice their day to make others around them better. I will continue to focus on how I can lead from a position of action and inspire those around me to become a better version of themselves while leaving behind their own legacy. Let us all focus on the power of relationships, transparency, and trust, while striving to also become a better version of ourselves.

May your impact on others be a result of where you stand day to day while you lead your team and organization. ◆