Stepping into your next leadership role doesn’t happen by accident – it requires intention, preparation and a strategic mindset.

In today’s volatile business climate, how you position yourself now will determine how well you’re prepared to seize future opportunities.

Whether you’re navigating change, eyeing a promotion, or exploring a new direction, here are seven essential strategies to help you grow your influence and step confidently into your next leadership role…

 

 

1. Become a Powerful Communicator

During the recent VE Day commemorations, I found myself re-listening to Winston Churchill’s iconic speeches—reminders of how his words carried a nation through dark times and inspired hope when it was most needed. His legacy underscores a timeless truth: powerful communication builds trust, unites people, and positions you as a leader worth following.

Regardless of their politics, leaders like Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Nigel Farage are memorable orators. What they have in common is an ability to read their audience, tap into emotion, and speak with clarity and conviction.

At a time when people are tired of vague corporate speak and disconnected leadership, your ability to speak truth with empathy matters more than ever. Communicate the brutal facts, but also offer hope. Show people they’ve been heard—and that progress is possible.

Ask yourself: How well do you understand the fears, hopes, and challenges of your audience? Are you giving them a reason to believe in you?

 

2. Know Your Strengths—and Your Gaps

Self-awareness is the foundation of leadership growth. Take the time to identify the key skills you need to develop to become the leader you aspire to be.

Seek feedback from people you trust—mentors, colleagues, or former managers who know you well. Invite open, candid conversations by asking questions like:

Compare their perspectives with your own. Do they align, or do you see blind spots?

In a world where leadership is increasingly about adaptability, emotional intelligence, and inclusive thinking, honest feedback is a priceless tool. If you’re serious about growth, embrace it.

 

3. Build a Strategic Network That Elevates You

Your network is more than a support system—it’s a platform for visibility, credibility, and influence. To move into more senior roles, you need to build relationships with those who already operate at the level you aspire to.

A director I worked with who wanted a seat on the Executive Board spent months networking at events filled with peers—people who validated her but couldn’t influence her career trajectory. When she shifted her strategy and focused on cultivating relationships with CEOs and decision-makers across the global organisation she was a part of, she dramatically increased her visibility and value.

This is where the principle of social proof, popularised by psychologist Robert Cialdini’s Six Principles of Persuasion, comes into play—people follow the lead of those similar to them.

Tip: Don’t just network laterally. Connect upward. Find mentors, sponsors, and stakeholders who can vouch for you when the next opportunity arises.

 

4. Combine Tenacity with Patience

Leaders today often operate in a “need it now” culture. But the path to your next role isn’t always quick—it’s strategic.

A successful executive joined a property business to head up and grow a Division and after one year has been earmarked to succeed the CEO.  His secret? Patience.

The current CEO was known to be a tough operator but this executive took time to get to know him and learned how to manage and challenge him.  He was trusted by the CEO to implement change in the business.  This patient approach was mirrored in how he restructured his division.  He took time recruiting good people and did not rush taking people on because there was a high need.  He addressed the complacency that had set in and introduced higher standards and a drive to succeed.  He would put time in with teams to explain the changes and patiently won people over to the controversial decisions being made.

This kind of patience isn’t passive—it’s active. It means knowing when to push and when to wait and always playing the long game.

Remember: Influence isn’t built overnight. But with consistency, trust, and clarity of purpose, it compounds over time.

 

5. Be the Person Who Adds Real Value

Leaders who consistently add value—who don’t just meet expectations but exceed them—become indispensable. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the one who brings insight, who asks the right questions, and who helps others see solutions clearly.

In meetings, go beyond reporting. Bring ideas. Offer perspective. Ask questions that reframe challenges and move the conversation forward. Be known not just as someone who delivers, but as someone who uplifts the collective thinking.

Especially in uncertain times, leaders who add strategic value—not just tactical execution—are the ones who get tapped for bigger roles.

 

6. Be Visible—With Purpose

Visibility without value is noise. But visibility with purpose is leadership.

Emma Walmsley, CEO of GlaxoSmithKline, once shared how early in her career she deliberately chose high-profile roles that would make her visible, roles where she could advocate for change and showcase her ideas. Her focus wasn’t self-promotion; it was purpose-driven visibility.

If your voice is never heard outside your team, your impact will be limited. Step into cross-functional projects. Share your insights across the business. Speak at events, contribute to industry conversations, and become known for your perspective—not just your output.

Ask yourself: What am I known for? Am I visible for the right reasons?

 

7. Choose the Right Role—Not Just the Next Role

Sometimes the biggest career mistake leaders make is saying yes to the wrong opportunity.

Before you jump into your next move, assess whether the role truly aligns with your strengths, values, and long-term goals. I often ask clients to list the types of work that energise them, where time flies and they have the most impact. Use that as your decision-making lens.

One executive I worked with turned down a CEO role—her natural next step—after realising that while she could do the job, she wouldn’t enjoy it. Instead, she pursued a role where her relationship-building and operational strengths could shine.

The right role should stretch you, not deplete you.

 

Final Thoughts

The path to your next leadership role starts today – not when the job becomes available.

Positioning yourself is about being intentional with how you lead, how you show up, and what you stand for.

Lead with clarity. Grow with humility. And never stop preparing for the opportunity that hasn’t yet arrived.

 

If you would like to explore positioning yourself for your next leadership role, please contact Oona at team@potentialplus-int.com

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