You don’t have to hold a position to be a leader

          You don’t have to hold a position to be a leader. Many times, the work you do when you don’t have a leadership title or position is as genuine as it gets! When you are going above and beyond the call of duty in your work and it’s not because you “have” to, your due diligence probably won’t go unnoticed for long.

          I sit on the Board of Directors for a couple of non-profit organizations in Nashville and was approached for each of these positions because others admired the work I was doing in my career and community. Without a specific leadership title such as “Board of Director’s Member”, I was doing the work that those currently on these boards sought out. I was showing my leadership abilities without the official title and so can you. Find a career-related or community organization you have a passion for and work with them/volunteer because you have a genuine interest. Volunteer to participate on committees and for special events. Not only will you learn more about activities that interest you, you will probably start to discover your own “leadership style”!

— Dr. April

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

          This post is part of a series on Leadership presented by Dr. Carmen April. She is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is currently a 2014 New Leaders Council Fellow – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for college students and young professionals.