Are you prepared to make the leap from individual contributor to company leader? Here are some ways to demonstrate to yourself—and your colleagues—that you’re ready to rise.

* Be clear about what you stand for. In other words, identify your leadership brand. Ask yourself: What three values are most important to you as a leader and colleague? How have you lived them in your career? Why are they important for driving success? How would you describe your leadership philosophy in an interview, or to someone junior?

* Hone your decision-making skills. As you move up the ladder, the problems you encounter will become harder and more complicated, and you’ll be more accountable for your decisions. To become a master decision-maker, practice seeking out input from your team, being brutally honest with yourself and others (even when the truth is hard), and constantly challenging your assumptions.

* Build self-awareness. As a leader, everything you say and do has an outsize impact. People are studying you closely and will project meaning onto every gesture and offhand comment you make. So, keep your emotions in check. You want people to focus on their work rather than expend energy trying to read your mood.
This tip is adapted from “The Leap to Leader,” by Adam Bryant
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