“There are people who might feel intimidated to talk to me just because of my title, when I don’t feel particularly scary,” he says. When engaging with people in his organization as a leader, he always tries to convey his open leadership style so people feel comfortable around him. So while he doesn’t focus on where people exist in a hierarchy, he knows that some people are “oriented that way” in the workplace. Baldree, who says he doesn’t take a lot of stock in hierarchy, is sensitive to the fact that some people do. For Santa Clara’s Baldree that has meant embracing a more open style. Part of this process is getting a better understanding of what style of leadership best suits you. “Trust yourself and then find a community around you to help you.” “You’re not accidentally in this job” because you’ve “earned it,” she says, but also make sure you stay open to making mistakes and growing from them. As you start to gain more responsibilities in the organization, make sure you remain “empathetic and curious,” she says, by continuing to listen and learn. An important next step she suggests is to find a strong mentor and be clear about your interest in a leadership position. Just the fact that you’re considering a leap to leadership is a sign that leadership qualities already exist within you, Valencia says.
