Leadership Isn't a Job Title

If the interview question, "Tell me about a time you led," makes you nervous, here's a reminder:

You don't need to have managed people or held a formal leadership title to demonstrate leadership.

The Center for Creative Leadership defines leadership through three outcomes: direction, alignment, and commitment. In other words, leadership happens when people work together to achieve something they couldn't accomplish alone.

If you've contributed to a team initiative, supported a territory goal, led a project, or solved a problem, you've likely demonstrated leadership already.

As you prepare for interviews, think about a specific example where you:

• Helped a group make progress toward a shared goal

• Added value that improved the team's results

• Followed through on commitments others were counting on

  
  

The next time you're asked, "Tell me about a time you led," what leadership example will you be ready to share?