It’s easy for most overachievers to convince themselves that the corner office is the “happy ending” waiting for them at the finish line of their career — the proverbial pot of gold that marks the achievement of success and the end of the journey. But as most people sitting in corner offices will tell you, getting there is only half the battle. After we attain leadership status, we must navigate how to actually lead, which is just as essential. Those who believe that the heavy lifting is over once they take power often find that they don’t hold onto their fairytale “ending” for long.

Leadership is never about position, title, the size of your office, or the quality of your view. Anyone can be a leader, whether their business card reads CEO, Vice President, Manager, or none of the above. Leadership is about what you do, every day, whether you’re satisfied with your current position and pay or not. The key to leadership is showing up, doing your best, and understanding that this journey isn’t a selfish one. It isn’t about money or power. It’s about your team. Otherwise, you’ll just be leading yourself around in circles.

Relationship-Building

Getting to know your team members is crucial. Learning about what’s important to them, their values and convictions, and keeping those things top of mind when you’re working together, forms the foundation for everything that follows. Great leaders appreciate others and create a respectful work environment where everyone can thrive. Their success is your success, so it makes sense to support and protect them at every step.

Equally important is the ability to clearly communicate your own intentions and beliefs so that they understand your expectations. Then, walk the walk. It’s important that your actions are carefully aligned with your words and that you’re consistently leading by example. Establishing the trust necessary to work together towards a common goal is much easier when your team members know that you’re a straight shooter that has their back.

Appreciation

Take notice of the good work happening all around you and show thanks for it. Let associates know when you’re happy with their output. Buy lunch for the team. Let a team member leave work early after meeting a particularly grueling deadline. Show that you’re watching, and that you care. The more nurturing you can be, the better. Every plant needs water and sunlight to grow, just as every mammal needs food and water. Likewise, employees crave recognition and mentorship. Let that mentor be you. This means not only helping them to see the future evolution of their roles, but also allowing them to take the lead on initiatives that are within their wheelhouse.

Another way to show appreciation is by investing in your teammates’ growth and development. In order to compete in today’s marketplace, everyone (including you) must be learning. Make learning a fundamental part of each person’s job. This enables employees to stay ahead of the curve, make ongoing improvements, and, ultimately, respond to a changing marketplace. It also keeps team members intellectually engaged and, if tied into a well-defined career path, actively building toward their next promotion.

Collaboration

Whenever possible, pitch in and help, particularly when there are important deadlines at stake. Employees will be more willing to make personal sacrifices for work if they see that you’re doing the same. Regardless of whether a task is “beneath your pay grade” or not, do it. Remember, you’re leading by example, so when others observe you rolling up your sleeves to help out, even with the most menial tasks, they’ll be more willing to do the same when the situation arises. Teamwork is key.

So is presence. Be accessible as much as possible. Spending time with your team on a regular basis not only improves your relationships, it speeds up the work pace because people aren’t waiting around to ask questions or seek help in clearing roadblocks.

Leaders have the power to bring out the best in others by consistently revealing their own best selves. This can certainly be a struggle in most workplaces, where there are competing personalities, copious tasks, and limited resources. Alas, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. But those who make the time to engage, empower and inspire others, will find their “happy ending” each morning when they walk into work to see the smiling faces of their grateful colleagues.