6. Spread the news. You need to develop a communication plan. I've found the most effective plan is to treat the new allies like disciples, letting them spread the news. For instance, if a presentation is required, the executive sponsor and key stakeholders should spend more time talking than you do.

7. Prepare for success. You should prepare an implementation plan and budget. Early in my career, I used these techniques to introduce change at one employer. Before I knew it, my case for change became a corporate initiative, and I was in charge. But building the implementation plan and budget over a weekend was not fun.

8. Keep everyone informed. In the same project, I also failed to keep my supervisor informed. I was fortunate that she understood and supported my results. But you don't want to put your supervisor in an awkward situation, so keep her informed as she prefers.

Successful leaders drive innovation within their organizations. Following these eight steps can bring out your leadership qualities, no matter what your actual title may be.

-- Virginia Robbins is the former chief information and operations officer and managing director at Chela Education Financing in San Francisco. Contact her at vrobbins@ sbcglobal.net.