10 answers
Keith
Student
Chapin, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What habits or qualities helped you stand out early in your career and get noticed for leadership opportunities #Fall25?
Seeking leadership roles
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10 answers
Davielle Panzullo, M.A., PMP
Business Transformation Sr. Manager
50
Answers
Irvine, California
Updated
Davielle’s Answer
Step up, put your hand up. You will grow your skills as a result.
Skill up! Focus on identifying and gowing those skills you are lackluster in.
Know your own strengths. Take an online strengths test. This helps you understand what is in your arsenal so you can apply them.
Focus on tasks that utilize your skills and interests
Accountability, take responsibility of your mistakes. Never leave anything unfinished.
Understand the vision of the organization you are working for. Not being afraid to question it.
Not being afraid to take chances, fail.
Skill up! Focus on identifying and gowing those skills you are lackluster in.
Know your own strengths. Take an online strengths test. This helps you understand what is in your arsenal so you can apply them.
Focus on tasks that utilize your skills and interests
Accountability, take responsibility of your mistakes. Never leave anything unfinished.
Understand the vision of the organization you are working for. Not being afraid to question it.
Not being afraid to take chances, fail.
Sammy Reaves
Talent Sourcing Coordinator
4
Answers
Horn Lake, Mississippi
Updated
Sammy’s Answer
Hi Keith!
Your question is fantastic because everyone wants to stand out. Here are some tips that helped me during my career as a retail manager. Always ask questions; it's a great way to learn from both peers and managers. This shows leaders you're proactive and eager to learn. Teamwork is also key, so aim to be collaborative. Another important step in my growth was discussing my career goals with my leader. Talk about where you want to go, what you're doing to reach that next role, and have open conversations about your opportunities. My current manager always advises me to work as if I'm already in the position I aspire to have!
Your question is fantastic because everyone wants to stand out. Here are some tips that helped me during my career as a retail manager. Always ask questions; it's a great way to learn from both peers and managers. This shows leaders you're proactive and eager to learn. Teamwork is also key, so aim to be collaborative. Another important step in my growth was discussing my career goals with my leader. Talk about where you want to go, what you're doing to reach that next role, and have open conversations about your opportunities. My current manager always advises me to work as if I'm already in the position I aspire to have!
Sara Rezaee
Inventory Control Management
3
Answers
Corona, California
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Early in my career, the habits that helped me stand out were taking initiative, being extremely detail oriented, and always following through. I developed a reputation for being someone who could take a complex problem, break it down, and execute with accuracy. I consistently looked for ways to improve processes, not just complete them.
Another quality that set me apart was how intentional I was with communication. I focused on being clear, organized, and solutions oriented, whether I was partnering with my peers, coaching associates, or presenting data.
Those habits helped people trust me with more responsibility, because I showed that I could understand the bigger picture, support my team, and still hit the metrics. I think that combination of ownership, consistency, and strong communication is ultimately what positioned me for leadership opportunities.
Another quality that set me apart was how intentional I was with communication. I focused on being clear, organized, and solutions oriented, whether I was partnering with my peers, coaching associates, or presenting data.
Those habits helped people trust me with more responsibility, because I showed that I could understand the bigger picture, support my team, and still hit the metrics. I think that combination of ownership, consistency, and strong communication is ultimately what positioned me for leadership opportunities.
Marty Meyer
General Manager
56
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marty’s Answer
Show up on time, volunteer to do extra work, be curious about things you don't know, show interest, help co-workers, be reliable and rise to the top.
Candi Emerson
AVP- Program Management at AT&T
5
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Candi’s Answer
Early in my career, I developed habits that helped me get noticed for leadership roles:
1. Clear Communication:
I made sure to communicate clearly and regularly with my team and supervisors. Sharing updates, asking questions, and giving feedback helped build trust and showed I cared about our success. I also remembered that leaders are people too, with their own lives and experiences, so I treated everyone with kindness.
2. Taking Initiative:
When I saw a chance to improve something, I volunteered to help, even if it wasn't part of my job. This showed my commitment and eagerness to learn. Sometimes, it meant working longer hours, but I always supported my coworkers and helped create a positive work environment. By helping others and building good relationships, I showed I could lead by example.
3. Being Reliable:
I became known for meeting deadlines and doing quality work. People trusted me with important projects because they knew I would deliver.
4. Always Learning:
I looked for ways to learn new skills, whether through training, mentorship, or feedback. This showed I was adaptable and ready to grow with the business. I also focused on solving problems, not just identifying them, by bringing solutions to the table. This approach demonstrated leadership and a results-driven mindset.
1. Clear Communication:
I made sure to communicate clearly and regularly with my team and supervisors. Sharing updates, asking questions, and giving feedback helped build trust and showed I cared about our success. I also remembered that leaders are people too, with their own lives and experiences, so I treated everyone with kindness.
2. Taking Initiative:
When I saw a chance to improve something, I volunteered to help, even if it wasn't part of my job. This showed my commitment and eagerness to learn. Sometimes, it meant working longer hours, but I always supported my coworkers and helped create a positive work environment. By helping others and building good relationships, I showed I could lead by example.
3. Being Reliable:
I became known for meeting deadlines and doing quality work. People trusted me with important projects because they knew I would deliver.
4. Always Learning:
I looked for ways to learn new skills, whether through training, mentorship, or feedback. This showed I was adaptable and ready to grow with the business. I also focused on solving problems, not just identifying them, by bringing solutions to the table. This approach demonstrated leadership and a results-driven mindset.
Mary Ann Faue
Communications, Training, and People Development
59
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Keith,
Curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to try new things. We all enter the workforce knowing something about ourselves and what we know how to do. But, we also enter the workforce having to learn things. So, when you're new in a job, being curious about how things work and who does what is a great way to get known. When you ask questions, that reinforces in you manager's/leader's mind that you are engaged and interested in the work you and the company do. When you get an answer, be sure to apply that knowledge. That shows that you are absorbing the information being shared with you and that you have the capacity to learn.
Over time, you will build a reputation for being that person that is always willing to pitch in to help and is always wanting to learn more. Having that reputation puts you on the radar of decision makers when it's time to consider people for new positions.
Good Luck!
Curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to try new things. We all enter the workforce knowing something about ourselves and what we know how to do. But, we also enter the workforce having to learn things. So, when you're new in a job, being curious about how things work and who does what is a great way to get known. When you ask questions, that reinforces in you manager's/leader's mind that you are engaged and interested in the work you and the company do. When you get an answer, be sure to apply that knowledge. That shows that you are absorbing the information being shared with you and that you have the capacity to learn.
Over time, you will build a reputation for being that person that is always willing to pitch in to help and is always wanting to learn more. Having that reputation puts you on the radar of decision makers when it's time to consider people for new positions.
Good Luck!
ted greenleaf
Architect and Project Manager
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
ted’s Answer
Keith,
#1: Don't just show up on time but be early. Often times a boss or higher up will beat you in but they will notice you as well.
#2: Whenever possible volunteer for tasks no one else wants to do - and show them what you can do.
Three months into my first job as a carpenter I was told to clean a new house out of all the scrap, cut and surplus lumber. It was not a small task and I wasn't happy about it. When I carried all the scrap and surplus lumber out I threw it into a pile outside of the house. Afterwards the boss came along, looked at the pile, and said "So now we are going to have to pull that pile of wood apart and stack it properly so we can use it later". I was given a task and did it poorly and grudgingly. He was 100% right and I was ashamed of myself. I can never erase the memory of how I performed that day.
And keep in mind your first job is a stepping stone to the next. Develop a plan and sense of where you want to go. What you think you want to do now may very likely change - that's OK, it happens to most. While new opportunities may arise, consider each in the big picture, as every new opportunity may not fit in your bigger hopes or plan.
One last thing: look up the "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann - get a copy and pin it to your wall.
Good luck.
#1: Don't just show up on time but be early. Often times a boss or higher up will beat you in but they will notice you as well.
#2: Whenever possible volunteer for tasks no one else wants to do - and show them what you can do.
Three months into my first job as a carpenter I was told to clean a new house out of all the scrap, cut and surplus lumber. It was not a small task and I wasn't happy about it. When I carried all the scrap and surplus lumber out I threw it into a pile outside of the house. Afterwards the boss came along, looked at the pile, and said "So now we are going to have to pull that pile of wood apart and stack it properly so we can use it later". I was given a task and did it poorly and grudgingly. He was 100% right and I was ashamed of myself. I can never erase the memory of how I performed that day.
And keep in mind your first job is a stepping stone to the next. Develop a plan and sense of where you want to go. What you think you want to do now may very likely change - that's OK, it happens to most. While new opportunities may arise, consider each in the big picture, as every new opportunity may not fit in your bigger hopes or plan.
One last thing: look up the "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann - get a copy and pin it to your wall.
Good luck.
Drex Thornton
Outbound Logistics Manager
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Drex’s Answer
These are all great answers. What really shines is being a student of leadership. Always eager to learn and grow, whether through reading, attending webinars, or other ways. As you learn, share what you discover with your leader; you might teach them something new too. Remember, leaders are always learning and improving. Your question is an excellent start, so keep going!
Daven Arellano
Insurance Agent
2
Answers
Pueblo, Colorado
Updated
Daven’s Answer
There are many ways to stand out, buts it up to you to put in the work. The best approach to be noticed for upper management opportunities that I used were:
1. Always be early, being on time is being late.
2. Always be willing to take on extra work to build your skills that can make you more qualified for the job you are wanting to move up too.
3. Take responsibility for your mistakes, lying is never the answer. Most managers know what the truth is, even if they act like they don’t know. So just be truthful from the very beginning, it will help you in the long run.
4. Be reliable, having good attendance at work is always a plus. Which most managers looks at when you are applying for a promotion.
5. Be a team player, and always be available. Helping your team with questions, problems, or goals will help you stand out. As well as always being available for your team and managers.
I hope these tips help you, like they have helped me in my career. I wish you the best on your future endeavors and journey in the workforce!
1. Always be early, being on time is being late.
2. Always be willing to take on extra work to build your skills that can make you more qualified for the job you are wanting to move up too.
3. Take responsibility for your mistakes, lying is never the answer. Most managers know what the truth is, even if they act like they don’t know. So just be truthful from the very beginning, it will help you in the long run.
4. Be reliable, having good attendance at work is always a plus. Which most managers looks at when you are applying for a promotion.
5. Be a team player, and always be available. Helping your team with questions, problems, or goals will help you stand out. As well as always being available for your team and managers.
I hope these tips help you, like they have helped me in my career. I wish you the best on your future endeavors and journey in the workforce!
Kelli Bentrewicz
1
Answer
Burlington, New Jersey
Updated
Kelli’s Answer
I love your ambition! Get yourself out there and let people know who you are. Connect with folks at your company, say hi, introduce yourself, ask questions, and schedule some one-on-one time to learn more about them!