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How do I become a leader?
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16 answers
Ryan Curry
Techreative | Vetrepreneur | Culturategist
84
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
This question should start with the most important question regarding leadership: WHY?
Why do you want to be a leader? What is it about becoming a leader that you want?
Becoming a leader has so many entry points. Some on purpose or pursuit. Others by accident or association. Sadly, I feel a large portion of those who desire to become a leader have an associated agenda (known or unknown) but are led by a degree of ego. For instance, the pursuit of power. But leadership is only fractionally about power. If you think it's having power OVER, then you're not a leader, you're a dictator. The larger proportion of leadership is service. Often called servant leadership. In this capacity and for example, you may be the CEO but your leadership style is ensuring that everyone on your team has the tools and autonomy they need to thrive and you back them up wherever possible. In this sense, you work for the team, not the other way around.
This particular mindset is an effective pathway toward becoming a leader.
But, here are some traditional approaches and steps you can take to become a leader:
1. Identify your leadership style: Everyone has their own unique leadership style. Take some time to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, and what leadership style suits you best.
2. Develop your skills: There are certain skills that are essential for effective leadership, such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and delegation. Take courses or attend workshops to develop these skills.
3. Gain experience: Look for opportunities to gain leadership experience, such as leading a project or team. This can help you develop your leadership skills and gain confidence in your abilities.
4. Lead by example: A good leader sets an example for others to follow. Demonstrate the behavior and qualities that you want to see in others.
5. Build relationships: Good leaders build strong relationships with their team members. Take the time to get to know your team members and build trust and respect.
6. Communicate effectively: Communication is key to effective leadership. Learn to communicate clearly and effectively, and listen actively to feedback from others.
7. Continuously learn and grow: Great leaders never stop learning and growing. Continuously seek out new knowledge and experiences to develop your leadership skills and stay current in your field.
Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and dedication to become a great leader. Focus on developing your skills, gaining experience, and building relationships, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful leader.
Why do you want to be a leader? What is it about becoming a leader that you want?
Becoming a leader has so many entry points. Some on purpose or pursuit. Others by accident or association. Sadly, I feel a large portion of those who desire to become a leader have an associated agenda (known or unknown) but are led by a degree of ego. For instance, the pursuit of power. But leadership is only fractionally about power. If you think it's having power OVER, then you're not a leader, you're a dictator. The larger proportion of leadership is service. Often called servant leadership. In this capacity and for example, you may be the CEO but your leadership style is ensuring that everyone on your team has the tools and autonomy they need to thrive and you back them up wherever possible. In this sense, you work for the team, not the other way around.
This particular mindset is an effective pathway toward becoming a leader.
But, here are some traditional approaches and steps you can take to become a leader:
1. Identify your leadership style: Everyone has their own unique leadership style. Take some time to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, and what leadership style suits you best.
2. Develop your skills: There are certain skills that are essential for effective leadership, such as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and delegation. Take courses or attend workshops to develop these skills.
3. Gain experience: Look for opportunities to gain leadership experience, such as leading a project or team. This can help you develop your leadership skills and gain confidence in your abilities.
4. Lead by example: A good leader sets an example for others to follow. Demonstrate the behavior and qualities that you want to see in others.
5. Build relationships: Good leaders build strong relationships with their team members. Take the time to get to know your team members and build trust and respect.
6. Communicate effectively: Communication is key to effective leadership. Learn to communicate clearly and effectively, and listen actively to feedback from others.
7. Continuously learn and grow: Great leaders never stop learning and growing. Continuously seek out new knowledge and experiences to develop your leadership skills and stay current in your field.
Ryan recommends the following next steps:
Brandi Reisterer
Consultant
12
Answers
Clearwater, Florida
Updated
Brandi’s Answer
Becoming an effective leader could mean different things to different people, but a great place to start is to identify someone who you think is a great leader and make note of what they do. How do they treat others? How do they handle situations under pressure? What is their work ethic? Consider the those types of questions.
It's also helpful to find a mentor and put yourself in situations where you can take a leadership role. In school, you can step up and lead a group project. If you have a job, ask about taking on additional responsibilities leading/managing peers. Becoming an effective leader doesn't happen overnight and takes a great deal of self-reflection and flexibility.
It's also helpful to find a mentor and put yourself in situations where you can take a leadership role. In school, you can step up and lead a group project. If you have a job, ask about taking on additional responsibilities leading/managing peers. Becoming an effective leader doesn't happen overnight and takes a great deal of self-reflection and flexibility.
Rebecca Merlo
Technical Support
3
Answers
Simpsonville, South Carolina
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Becoming a leader starts with knowing who you are and what you believe in, trusting your inner voice and having the courage of your convictions. Believing in yourself allows you be open to other possibilities with the understanding that you are not always going to be right and that others may have knowledge and skills that you can learn from then use. Keeping yourself informed through multiple sources enables you to form opinions based on facts instead of emotions, facts that prove your point of view that you can share with others through reasoned discourse and that have the flexibility to be updated when new information comes to light. Leaders have emotions, too, and the most effective leaders know when to use those emotions. Often times, an argument can be more persuasive by the word choices than by being aggressive, physical or harmful. Leaders, good or bad, also know their audiences and will tailor their interactions to encourage their followers to respond in particular ways. As a leader, you will see that in action from other leaders as well. Learning how to persuade your audience, using facts, will make you an effective, successful force to be reckoned with.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Becoming a leader requires a combination of skills, qualities, and behaviors that can be developed over time. Here are some steps you can take to become a leader - Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values. This will help you understand how you can contribute to a team and what areas you need to work on. Leaders need to build strong relationships with team members, stakeholders, and customers. Work on your communication skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Seek out mentors and learn from their experiences. Read books, attend workshops, and take courses to develop your leadership skills. Look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities and show that you are proactive. This can help you gain the respect and trust of your team members. Set clear goals for yourself and your team. Work towards these goals with dedication and persistence. Good communication is essential for leadership. Be clear and concise in your communication, actively listen to others, and be open to feedback. Model the behavior you want to see in others. Be ethical, respectful, and accountable. Leaders need to be able to adapt to changing situations and environments. Develop a growth mindset and be willing to learn from failures and mistakes. Motivate and inspire your team members to achieve their best. Recognize and celebrate their successes, and support them through challenges.
Alex Belot
Project Manager
26
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Alex’s Answer
To become a leader you have to first have a passion to lead and have an inherent thirst to make a difference wherever you land. To become a leader there are some simple tasks you can take for starters. No matter where you are now whether in school or at work, start to volunteer to take on leading small projects or tasks in a group setting where you're the "captain" and people look to you for some decision making and you are accountable for their result.
Always be willing to help others if they have an issue and help them find solutions. If you keep that trend, when other people have something they want to solve, they might come to you because you have a history for problem solving.
Great leaders are "people person", companionate and are good listeners. Be willing to roll up your sleeves to get things done and not afraid to work long hours.
It's one thing to be a leader, and it's another to be a great leader, my guess is you would strive to be the ladder. There are many courses you can also take to help you hone in your current leadership skills and enhance new ones.
Hope that helps and best of luck to you!
Always be willing to help others if they have an issue and help them find solutions. If you keep that trend, when other people have something they want to solve, they might come to you because you have a history for problem solving.
Great leaders are "people person", companionate and are good listeners. Be willing to roll up your sleeves to get things done and not afraid to work long hours.
It's one thing to be a leader, and it's another to be a great leader, my guess is you would strive to be the ladder. There are many courses you can also take to help you hone in your current leadership skills and enhance new ones.
Hope that helps and best of luck to you!
Jeffrey Garwood
Manage Technical Team
4
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
You can learn to lead long before becoming a "leader."
1. Identify a specific issue or goal that you are passionate about and can help others with, even if it's a small one.
2. Do some work to brainstorm different approaches to address the issue or achieve the goal. But the idea isn't to do it all yourself just have a clear initial vision and some possible approaches.
3. Look for someone who shares your passion and is willing to support your cause. This first follower is crucial for validating your ideas and approach.
4. Practice pitching your idea to potential supporters, focusing on the benefits it can bring and the positive change it can create.
5. Seek sponsorship from leadership to back your idea, demonstrating your commitment and dedication to the cause.
6. Share your enthusiasm with others and actively involve them in the process, encouraging collaboration and incorporating their perspectives, skills, and time.
7. Regularly update your team on progress, and celebrate small milestones together. This not only keeps your team motivated but also shows that you're leading the effort.
8. If you wake up thinking how You and the team can solve it, You share your enthusiasm with others to get them involved, You reach out and make sure making progress even small steps ahead, and that You come with updates - that means you are leading it. You are the "founder" of your idea, and you are the one that is guiding others and moving it ahead.
8. Not every initiative will work out, many won't, but always ask "can something be done better" and try again and again with increasingly complex challenges.
By practicing these steps, you will develop valuable leadership skills that enable you to effectively guide, motivate, and inspire others to achieve positive change.
1. Identify a specific issue or goal that you are passionate about and can help others with, even if it's a small one.
2. Do some work to brainstorm different approaches to address the issue or achieve the goal. But the idea isn't to do it all yourself just have a clear initial vision and some possible approaches.
3. Look for someone who shares your passion and is willing to support your cause. This first follower is crucial for validating your ideas and approach.
4. Practice pitching your idea to potential supporters, focusing on the benefits it can bring and the positive change it can create.
5. Seek sponsorship from leadership to back your idea, demonstrating your commitment and dedication to the cause.
6. Share your enthusiasm with others and actively involve them in the process, encouraging collaboration and incorporating their perspectives, skills, and time.
7. Regularly update your team on progress, and celebrate small milestones together. This not only keeps your team motivated but also shows that you're leading the effort.
8. If you wake up thinking how You and the team can solve it, You share your enthusiasm with others to get them involved, You reach out and make sure making progress even small steps ahead, and that You come with updates - that means you are leading it. You are the "founder" of your idea, and you are the one that is guiding others and moving it ahead.
8. Not every initiative will work out, many won't, but always ask "can something be done better" and try again and again with increasingly complex challenges.
By practicing these steps, you will develop valuable leadership skills that enable you to effectively guide, motivate, and inspire others to achieve positive change.
Bo Kim
Health Administration
11
Answers
Springfield, Missouri
Updated
Bo’s Answer
Hello,
There isn't a "set" way to become a leader. It involves learning a variety of skills, including:
• Set Clear Goals: Start by defining your long-term career goals and aspirations. Understand the type of leader you want to become, the industries or fields you're interested in, and the impact you wish to make.
• Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, values, and leadership style. Understanding your strengths will help you leverage them as a leader, and acknowledging your weaknesses will enable you to work on improving them.
• Continuous Learning: Aspiring leaders should always seek opportunities for continuous learning and self-improvement. Attend workshops, seminars, webinars, or pursue formal education programs that focus on leadership development.
• Mentorship and Networking: Connect with experienced leaders in your field and seek mentorship opportunities. A mentor can provide valuable guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path.
• Lead by Example: Leadership is not just about telling others what to do; it's about setting an example through your actions, work ethic, and behavior. Be a role model for those around you, and demonstrate the qualities you wish to see in your team.
• Take on Leadership Roles: Look for opportunities within your current job or in community organizations to take on leadership roles. This could involve leading a project, a team, or a committee. Taking on such responsibilities will provide you with hands-on leadership experience.
• Embrace Challenges and Learn from Failures: As a leader, you'll face challenges and setbacks. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. Analyze failures objectively, identify areas for improvement, and use the experiences to become a stronger leader.
• Develop Soft Skills: Leadership involves effective communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Focus on developing these soft skills, as they are crucial for successful leadership.
• Empower and Inspire Others: A great leader empowers their team members, supports their growth, and inspires them to achieve their full potential. Learn to delegate tasks, provide guidance, and celebrate the successes of your team.
• Seek Feedback and Adapt: Actively seek feedback from colleagues, team members, and mentors. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to adapt and improve your leadership style.
• Build a Strong Team: Surround yourself with skilled and diverse team members. A successful leader knows how to bring out the best in their team and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Stay Resilient and Committed: The path to leadership may have challenges and obstacles. Stay committed to your goals, remain resilient in the face of setbacks, and keep pushing forward.
There isn't a "set" way to become a leader. It involves learning a variety of skills, including:
• Set Clear Goals: Start by defining your long-term career goals and aspirations. Understand the type of leader you want to become, the industries or fields you're interested in, and the impact you wish to make.
• Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, values, and leadership style. Understanding your strengths will help you leverage them as a leader, and acknowledging your weaknesses will enable you to work on improving them.
• Continuous Learning: Aspiring leaders should always seek opportunities for continuous learning and self-improvement. Attend workshops, seminars, webinars, or pursue formal education programs that focus on leadership development.
• Mentorship and Networking: Connect with experienced leaders in your field and seek mentorship opportunities. A mentor can provide valuable guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path.
• Lead by Example: Leadership is not just about telling others what to do; it's about setting an example through your actions, work ethic, and behavior. Be a role model for those around you, and demonstrate the qualities you wish to see in your team.
• Take on Leadership Roles: Look for opportunities within your current job or in community organizations to take on leadership roles. This could involve leading a project, a team, or a committee. Taking on such responsibilities will provide you with hands-on leadership experience.
• Embrace Challenges and Learn from Failures: As a leader, you'll face challenges and setbacks. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. Analyze failures objectively, identify areas for improvement, and use the experiences to become a stronger leader.
• Develop Soft Skills: Leadership involves effective communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Focus on developing these soft skills, as they are crucial for successful leadership.
• Empower and Inspire Others: A great leader empowers their team members, supports their growth, and inspires them to achieve their full potential. Learn to delegate tasks, provide guidance, and celebrate the successes of your team.
• Seek Feedback and Adapt: Actively seek feedback from colleagues, team members, and mentors. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to adapt and improve your leadership style.
• Build a Strong Team: Surround yourself with skilled and diverse team members. A successful leader knows how to bring out the best in their team and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Stay Resilient and Committed: The path to leadership may have challenges and obstacles. Stay committed to your goals, remain resilient in the face of setbacks, and keep pushing forward.
Steward Harvey Pacheco
Retired Business Professional, Leadership Trainer
1
Answer
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward Harvey’s Answer
Leadership for many may just be natural and a quality which runs in ones DNA. It may also be built upon from life experiences due to situational awareness and many times, lifes struggle as well as its related problem resolution (experience). It is recognized by others quickly and draws them closer to the percieved leader. Caution, as that can be true of both good and bad leadership. So one must recognize good leadership from faulty leadership.
An exceptional leader is not based on their educational degree or mountain of business related certiications, for history proves that many with less than, have stepped up to the plate in dire situations and lead whatever circumstance arose, to its success. It can be studied and applied with good intent.
Managers in my opinion are just that, managers. I've spent the last portion of my career in management and training managers to include as Jr management to CEO's. Many will percieve that they are leaders but will act more as authoritarians in their percieved greatness. Position, money, ego including the acquisition of wealth as well as position title and traditional education, does not make leadership a certainty. But you will recognize the few ethical leaders in each business category.
Understanding what makes a good leader will depend of what leaders you chosse to mimmick in your quest to become a leader. Personal development which may include the study of related books, videos, live leadership seminars (which may sell you media) & networking in local leadership events will give the insight on how to walk the walk and talk the talk or not to. Your choice.
Many people, want to rise to the top so watch carefully for those who rise and who also assist others to rise with them. Thats what good leaders do. They must be ethical and have a certain degree of empathy for others. They should also inspire those they serve (& we do serve) to push past issues in order to make that next step on a path of reaching their followers respected goals.
Envision yourself at the top of the mountain that you seek to climb, feel the accomplishment in your minds eye, breath in the sweet air of success, now look behind you? Whos there? If you see many faces sharing their accomplishments as well, then you are the leader, even if they are on their own mountain, your leadership was one avenue of help that you supplied. If you are alone on that mountain top, remember that it took many people to get you there, so why has no one followed. Stepping stones or Wind beneath your wings? Which are they to you?
As a John C. Maxwell Certified Trainer & Coach, with 30 years of training experience, I would suggest starting out with John C Maxwell (videos, books, audio) and searching out other well recieved leadership materials. Your personal development will be a lifelong & endearing adventure. You will be amazed at the world around you and those who you will meet, that you will inspire and who will inspire you. Gods Speed! Steward Tony Pacheco
Read, Watch Listen to industry leaders of this subject matter. John C Maxwell, "Leadership 101, What Every Leader Needs to Know",
Read, Watch Listen to industry leaders of this subject matter. John C Maxwell, "Winning With People"
Watch & Listen John C Maxwell on You Tube or other social media.
Leadership is built of people, all varieties of people, all incomes, social standing, ethnic & religeous circles. Be accepting to others with respect, for they also have dreams & you a vehicle which can help them reach their dreams.
"If you motivate an idiot, you will only have a motivated idiot" As a student of leadership, you must learn that motivation is not an indicator of success & that "Practice does not make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect"
An exceptional leader is not based on their educational degree or mountain of business related certiications, for history proves that many with less than, have stepped up to the plate in dire situations and lead whatever circumstance arose, to its success. It can be studied and applied with good intent.
Managers in my opinion are just that, managers. I've spent the last portion of my career in management and training managers to include as Jr management to CEO's. Many will percieve that they are leaders but will act more as authoritarians in their percieved greatness. Position, money, ego including the acquisition of wealth as well as position title and traditional education, does not make leadership a certainty. But you will recognize the few ethical leaders in each business category.
Understanding what makes a good leader will depend of what leaders you chosse to mimmick in your quest to become a leader. Personal development which may include the study of related books, videos, live leadership seminars (which may sell you media) & networking in local leadership events will give the insight on how to walk the walk and talk the talk or not to. Your choice.
Many people, want to rise to the top so watch carefully for those who rise and who also assist others to rise with them. Thats what good leaders do. They must be ethical and have a certain degree of empathy for others. They should also inspire those they serve (& we do serve) to push past issues in order to make that next step on a path of reaching their followers respected goals.
Envision yourself at the top of the mountain that you seek to climb, feel the accomplishment in your minds eye, breath in the sweet air of success, now look behind you? Whos there? If you see many faces sharing their accomplishments as well, then you are the leader, even if they are on their own mountain, your leadership was one avenue of help that you supplied. If you are alone on that mountain top, remember that it took many people to get you there, so why has no one followed. Stepping stones or Wind beneath your wings? Which are they to you?
As a John C. Maxwell Certified Trainer & Coach, with 30 years of training experience, I would suggest starting out with John C Maxwell (videos, books, audio) and searching out other well recieved leadership materials. Your personal development will be a lifelong & endearing adventure. You will be amazed at the world around you and those who you will meet, that you will inspire and who will inspire you. Gods Speed! Steward Tony Pacheco
Steward Harvey recommends the following next steps:
Faun Whalen, MBA
2
Answers
Updated
Faun’s Answer
I think you can see some great answers here from others. Leaders have confidence, yet are open to feedback from a 360 viewpoint. Leaders know they continue to learn and grow. They understand the needs of those they lead and that everyone does not respond to the same impetus. You need to discover who your talent is so you can reach them in a meaningful way. Create a safe and transparent environment with your team so they can speak freely. Admit when you make a mistake and do so to the same audience in front of whom you made it. Be approachable. Read, read, read about leadership and leaders you admire. How can you best utilize those learnings with your team. Even if you don't lead a team currently, act like a leader. When given the chance, try not to fall into 'managing' or micromanaging to prove you can do it. Just asking the question is already a great start. Good Luck and always challenge yourself to grow. We are never done learning.
Darius Griffin
Manager
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Darius’s Answer
Leadership is a quest of learning and growing. Becoming an effective leader will require experiences, so any chance you get to lead take it. Take chances, recall your past experiences with good and bad leaders and apply them. Remember people are your biggest asset, getting to know them and what's their why will help you understand them and effectively motivate them! Don't be afraid to read books for effective tools and techniques. Good Luck
Bethany Buckingham
Hospitality
1
Answer
Walsenburg, Colorado
Updated
Bethany’s Answer
To become a leader, you must first be willing to be a student. Leaders can learn from those they lead. Be humble and willing to always be up for a challenge whether it is a new skill to learn or a new coaching experience.
Observe the leaders around you and take in what they do visually. You can learn from what they do and do not do, this can help guide you down your path to success. Recommend book Dare to Lead. This book embodies the meaning of leadership.
Observe the leaders around you and take in what they do visually. You can learn from what they do and do not do, this can help guide you down your path to success. Recommend book Dare to Lead. This book embodies the meaning of leadership.
Claire Mathias
4
Answers
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Finding a leader that you know in your personal or professional life and see what they are doing well or not doing well. A leader is someone that is knowledgeable in the business they support and can help be there for their team. Great leaders are ones that will never tell you to do something that they wont do themselves. They tend to be just as involved, help with escalations when needed and are approachable to their employees. A leader is a subject matter expert in their field. Reading books or articles on how to be an effective leader can help you learn some of those skills. Also asking for advice from others in a leadership role is a great way to gain some additional information.
Luciana Rios
estudiante de medicina
3
Answers
Asuncion, Paraguay
Updated
Luciana’s Answer
You need to be confident and take risks to complete your goals, you need to have a strong voice and a neutral and convincing opinion with others.
Terresa Melton
customer care
5
Answers
Duncan, South Carolina
Updated
Terresa’s Answer
In order to lead one must first learn to follow. If you can not learn, how can you teach? Take some classes on leadership, read some books, take some public speaking and interpersonal speaking classes. Ask for coaching opportunities and never ever stop asking for feedback it is how we grow and adjust.
Ben Bolton
Marketing
10
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Leadership takes many forms, and it doesn't necessarily mean having a leadership title. Ultimately, leadership is providing inspiration to others to participate in achieving a common goal. Everyone responds differently to different types of leadership. Some people like direction, some like to be led by example, some want to feel trusted to work on their own and there are many more examples. To become a leader, it will help to learn personality types, educate yourself on situational behavior and be willing to do any job to help your team succeed.
Weronika Bartczak
People Care Leader
2
Answers
Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland
Updated
Weronika’s Answer
Hi! As a person who became a team leader chosen from a team I have some advice:
- ask for some responsibility from your manager, be it leading a smaller project or recurring responsibility like creating reports. Establish trust in yourself and show you can be responsible. If you succeed, try asking for more responsibility.
- try doing some tests, like CliftonStrenghts34. Check your strenghts and analyze how they can translate into leadership.
- read about leadership styles and check if there's one you're clearly representing - broaden your knowledge of good leadership strategies.
- incorporate good leadership behaviours into your everyday work, like giving constructive feedback.
- check for leadership opportunities in your company - it can be much easier to get that position when you're already in the company.
- talk with your manager and establish your plans for future - let them know you have such goals and ask what can you do to accomplish it.
- check mentoring programs - there are often mentoring programs dedicated for project management, agile, leadership in IT. Try applying for one and find mentor.
Those are things I did personally and they paid off. Hope this helps :)
- ask for some responsibility from your manager, be it leading a smaller project or recurring responsibility like creating reports. Establish trust in yourself and show you can be responsible. If you succeed, try asking for more responsibility.
- try doing some tests, like CliftonStrenghts34. Check your strenghts and analyze how they can translate into leadership.
- read about leadership styles and check if there's one you're clearly representing - broaden your knowledge of good leadership strategies.
- incorporate good leadership behaviours into your everyday work, like giving constructive feedback.
- check for leadership opportunities in your company - it can be much easier to get that position when you're already in the company.
- talk with your manager and establish your plans for future - let them know you have such goals and ask what can you do to accomplish it.
- check mentoring programs - there are often mentoring programs dedicated for project management, agile, leadership in IT. Try applying for one and find mentor.
Those are things I did personally and they paid off. Hope this helps :)