7 Leadership Skills to Excel and Influence in Any Role

What comes to mind when you hear the word “excellence?” We all have definition for what the word means, but more than likely, the image that comes to mind when we hear the word is different for everyone. For me, excellence requires more than being good at something. It is not something you do; it is something you are. It is not just for you; it is for others. It is not just in actions; it’s in motives. But most importantly, it’s a leadership skill and a choice.

It is one of the crucial leadership skills that helped me serve in the U.S. Army for more than 23 years. In that time, I’ve led service members and civilians, both from out front and from the rear, and I can assure you that leading from either position is truly rewarding when you understand the difference between responsibility and authority. 

Yes, the military environment can be somewhat rigid with many rules. But it offered me something rare by today’s standards: the chance to find joy solely in the excellence of serving. And even in a world driven by “likes” and the need for positive analytics, you too can know significance while leading well when no one is applauding. My mentor John C. Maxwell makes it clear that “Nothing of significance was ever achieved by an individual acting alone. Look below the surface and you will find that all seemingly solo acts are really team efforts.”

So, what does it take to be an excellent team member?

7 Leadership Skills that Make Room for Excellence in Self-Leadership from Any Position

1. KNOW YOUR ROLE.

Consider a world where everyone is the same. If we were one eyeball rolling around without an eye socket for stability or eyelids or lashes to protect us, we would not last very long. As the human body is made up of many parts designed to know and execute their role for survival, the same is true of a team achieving significance. Knowing what you contribute to the team’s goal helps you appreciate you and your team’s complimentary skills. This allows for significance to manifest, grow, and sustain effective results, from any position, as each person does their part.

2. BE OKAY WITH THE SUCCESS OF ANOTHER PERSON.

We can perform excellently when we are focused on our own success. But true excellence goes beyond just you. When you develop the leadership skill of pursuing others’ success as well as your own, you gain the capacity to focus outward, to connect and foster right purposeful relationships.

On winning sports teams, only one player can be the most valuable player (MVP). But when the game is won, the whole team gets the trophy, wears the rings, or earns the money. The MVP did not win the game on their own, but they benefited from their teammates – even those who may never have had an opportunity to play in a game, but were key players during practice. People of excellence understand that it takes a team to work together, to support the point person behind the scenes, and to celebrate them, unified, as one.

3. BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR AUTHENTIC CONTRIBUTION.

A self-serving attitude and pride are two silent killers of excellence in an individual’s contribution to any team. Their motivation to exceed expectations dies off when they are not directly reaping the rewards of their efforts. Excellent people thriving behind the scenes genuinely want to see those out front succeed. You understand how your role impacts the big picture and value your contribution as necessary. As a matter of fact, the connection is so great that it becomes personal to ensure that the person out front enjoys the spotlight.

4. FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE.

In all aspects of my military career, the mission always came second – yes, second. People always came first. Serving this country allowed me to work with people from all over the world of different backgrounds and beliefs, and it showed me that people are truly God’s most precious assets, and this world cannot prevail without them. With that in mind, the ability to value others, unify teams, and lead from any position toward the same goal came easy when the vision was clear. The waters were muddied by personal opinions and agendas. To develop the leadership skills that allow you to thrive even behind the scenes, you must possess the ability to see the end at the beginning.

5. BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE CELEBRITY FOR SIGNIFICANCE.

“Celebrity status” is not cheap. It sounds good, looks great, and in most instances, pays well. But significance doesn’t come from the “celebrity status” of being the one out in front. Diamonds are found deep under the surface and are formed through intense heat and pressure – but that is what makes them so precious and so valuable. Giving your best and your brightest to a goal is the price of significance – whether or not anyone recognizes you for it.

6. DO RIGHT BECAUSE IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

Doing right is an intentional act of agreement with life. It is also easily derailed by pride, excuses, and popularity. Yet people of excellence can rise above the noise of expectations, opinions, and emotions to act with integrity, not just for themselves, but for others as well. These are the “invisible” leadership skills behind the scenes that have tremendous visibility and impact on that which is “visible.”

7. ALLOW THE INTERNAL REWARD TO BE LOUDER THAN THE EXTERNAL APPLAUSE.

Neurologically, the laughter of a baby can make the listener feel like they’re laughing too. As a person of excellence, having joy for someone else’s success strengthens your social connections, boosts your mental health and well-being, and helps you to learn more about yourself and appreciate your own contributions and successes. It is a powerful reflection that allows for the applause of another to extend internally to you too. 

As leaders, we are often trained to be out front, but as servant leaders, we can grow to know the reward of leading from any position. We can find significance in knowing that we contribute to diversity of gifts and talents that present the right chemistry for victory.

Twice a year during Maxwell Leadership’s International Maxwell Conference, I continue to serve on the ambassador team in support of the thousands of new and returning Maxwell Leadership certified team members with a heart of excellence and a joy for their success. I invite you to join this wonderful community of servant leaders who strive for excellence in equipping and supporting each other to make a difference globally and in our communities – out front and from behind the scenes.

If you’re passionate about leading others effectively toward their fullest potential and you’re ready to develop your servant leadership skills, the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team can help!

Sharon Green is one of Maxwell Leadership’s 50,000+ coaches, speakers, teachers, and trainers who help organizations worldwide up-level their results by investing in their people and developing effective leadership skills. Discover how MLCT members are finding success and significance alike by impacting communities and building thriving businesses. Schedule a discovery call today to find out what we’re about, and how we can help you meet your goals!

About the author

Sharon is a native New Yorker, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, an entrepreneur, and an author with more than 35 years of leadership and financial management experience. She is the founder of Alethes Consulting Group, LLC, providing leadership coaching, facilitation, and training for corporate executives, non-profit organizations, and individuals globally. Sharon received her Army commission as a financial manager after graduating with honors from Howard University in 1988, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting (BBA-A). In 1994, she earned a Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA) degree from Boston University. In 2012, after her 23 and a half years of service, she was drawn to the excellence of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team (MCLT), where she continues to grow as a transformative leader. Sharon still loves to travel while volunteering to assist veterans achieve post–military success. She serves on the MCLT President’s Advisory Council, as a member of several military organizations, in her sorority – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – and as the proud mother of her actor son, John‘al.