Acting the role before getting the role…are YOU making a difference?

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The mindset & behaviours that you choose to demonstrate within the workplace is a great concept for personal growth and professional success. This can be a huge part of adopting the mindset, skills, and behaviors of a position you aspire to, even before you officially get there.

This approach can help you build confidence, develop relevant experience, and show others (including your current employer) that you are ready for the next step.

First of all, consider the ways to “act the role” before officially getting it. By acting the role, it eventually becomes you!

Consider the skills necessary for the role. You don’t need to wait until you have the job to start mastering the tools and techniques that are critical to it! Then show initiative & take on responsibilities that align with the role you’re aiming for. For example, if you are eyeing a managerial position, you could volunteer to lead a project, mentor a colleague, or step up in team meetings when required.

Surround yourself with professionals who are already in the role you want. Ask them questions, learn from their experiences, and take notes on how they approach challenges. Shift your mindset to think and act like the person you want to become. This means being proactive, strategic, and focusing on solutions rather than just problems.

Taking responsibility can also mean proactively preparing for the role you’re aiming for. That could mean learning new skills, understanding the industry, or even asking for feedback on how you can improve in certain areas.

Demonstrate your value by showing how your current contributions are aligned with the role you want. If you’re already adding value at a higher level, your superiors should take notice, but when you take responsibility, make sure it aligns with the broader objectives of the organisation, offering solutions that fit within the company’s vision and mission will show that you understand the bigger picture. Before even getting the role, you can exhibit your expertise by addressing gaps or contributing valuable insights. Focus on your strengths that complement the business’s needs, like communication, problem-solving, or strategic thinking.

Taking responsibility without waiting for a formal title can help set the tone for leadership, demonstrate ambition, and even fast-track your growth within the company. By “acting the role,” you don’t just wait for the opportunity to be given to you—you start living it, which could lead to faster promotions or even better job offers.

“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
Jack Welch