Presented by: Shannon Vittur

1. Do It Yourself Leadership
Shannon Vittur
Sr. Program Manager
Memphis, TN

2. Introduction
Today’s Objectives
•Explore leadership opportunities around all of us
•Learn what can be gained from different opportunities
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If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.
-John Quincy Adams

3. Want to Learn to Lead…Look Around You!
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4. Opportunities Close to You:
Your Organization
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Opportunity
What you gain
Help coordinate a
staff meeting
1. Meeting
organization
skills
2. Improved
relationship with
manager
Assist with leading
a part of a project
1. Project mgt. skills
2. Reputation for
being willing to
help
3. Improved team
relationships
Lead a
brainstorming
session
1. Facilitation skills
2. Reputation for
being creative
3. Showcase your
subject matter
expertise
 Low risk – dealing with subjects & people you know
 Confidence builder – but you have to ask

5. Opportunities Further Away:
Your Company
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Opportunity
What you gain
Ask for a stretch
project/assignment
1. Getting out of
comfort zone
2. Learning new
parts of business
3. Knowing new
people
Lead / start an
employee resource
group / committee
1. Leading outside
your function
2. Influence &
motivational
skills
3. Visibility & trust
Join a company-wide
initiative /
network
1. Global exposure
2. Broader network
3. Can be a “Voice”
of your business
 Higher risk – have to know you can manage uncertainty
 Can show adaptability & courage
 Very good for visibility & building networks

6. Opportunities beyond your job:
Your Community
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Opportunity
What you gain
Lead a volunteer
project
1. Organizational
skills
2. Managing
without
authority
3. Giving back!
Tutor / Mentor
students
1. Mentoring &
motivational
skills
2. Developing next
generation
3. Sharpen skills
Leadership in a
professional
organization
1. Networks
2. Connection to
areas important
to you
3. Think SWE(!) or
Alumni clubs
 Low to Medium risk – Safe place to learn but
organizations depend on you to be successful
 Can help improve work-life balance

7. In Summary…
•You are surrounded by opportunities to improve your leadership
•Easy wins can be found in areas around you every day in your project & function
•Company committees, resource groups, & networks are great ways to challenge yourself & gain visibility
•Community organizations are rewarding and can teach you as much as your day job.
 Just never be afraid to ask to do something new!
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