Act Like a Boss: 4 Tips
Here is our next question. Welcome, caller.
Caller Three asks Dhru Beeharilal: Thank you for your time. I just finished business school. I’m one of the younger guys in my group.
I’m trying to learn how to exert influence without having the title or authority given to me. I want to build my credibility at the company and try to show that I have the strengths and capabilities. People that I work with are older than me. I don’t have an official manager title.
I was wondering if there is advice you can give to someone who is relatively young in their tenure at a company but wants to exert more influence on people and start developing managerial skills without actually having that title.
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Dhru Beeharilal
Act Like a Boss: 4 Tips
- Body Language
- Wardrobe
- Educate Yourself
- Chime In
Act Like a Boss: Body Language
One great way to do that is a very simple way that a lot of people overlook. It is body language.
If you are walking into a room and you look around, you can tell who the higher level executive is by the way that they’re sitting, standing or the way that they walk.
If you start emulating those higher level executives in the way that you behave, that’s one very subtle but effective way. People will start regarding you differently.
The way you carry yourself is very powerful. I don’t think enough people realize that.
Act Like a Boss: Wardrobe
There is also the way that you dress. I don’t know how you dress.
Dress for the position you want, not the position you’re in.
Many times, people will ask why I’m wearing a suit to my job. I see clients on a daily basis but I don’t necessarily have to wear a suit. It’s because I value myself at that level.
I feel that I have an image to protect. I want my clients to feel like they’re being seen by someone who is professional. It’s the same idea.
You’re a professional. You’re not trying to show off. You’re saying, “This is the way that I think about myself. My appearance is how I feel about myself.”
Act Like a Boss: Educate Yourself
If you want to educate yourself, feel free to jump into audio books.
Kindle and Audible have amazing resources that you can listen to on the ride to and from work. They educate you really well.
Act Like a Boss: Chime In
When you feel like you can contribute, jump in.
Don’t be afraid to jump in and talk. That’s how you get noticed.
That’s how those in a higher level in your company will notice, “That guy actually knows what he’s talking about. I’ll value his input in the future, even if he is young.”
That will make you some enemies, obviously. People who are older will feel more threatened by you. That’s a different conversation. For now, that’s a good place to start.
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Tell Us:
Do you know how to act like a boss? Share your tips with us below in the comments section.
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The above is an excerpt from Jasbina’s interview with Dhru Beeharilal.
The entire interview transcript is at: Dhru Beeharilal NetIP (Network of Indian Professionals) Interview – Being True to You
Listen to the entire interview on: Intersections Match Talk Radio – Jasbina’s Lifestyle Show
Listen to the entire interview on Blog Talk Radio: NetIP Spotlight- Live Your Potential Listen to the entire interview on iTunes _____
