If you answered yes to these questions, then you are like most other professionals in the workplace. You have strong hopes and aspirations. You have the desire to become a great leader and-if you pay careful attention to the people who you work with every day-this desire can become actuality.

In developing your leadership style you have a tremendous teaching tool at your disposal, in your supervisors and upper-level management.

From your boss, you can learn exactly what to do. What senior executive doesn't remember that first, small piece of business advice-no matter what it was-given to them by their supervisor in the mailroom, the break room, or the customer service desk? Keep files for everything. Take exhaustive notes. Remember your breathmints for the cocktail party. Look everyone in the eyes when you talk with them. Listen attentively. These are just some of the minor lessons that accumulate, gradually and from various sources, in any business life.

There is nothing as valuable as watching the example set by top executives in your firm. They are experienced business people who have learned, through diligence and hard-work, how to conduct themselves in a business environment. They will be confident, proactive, and efficient. As such, good executives will take the time to field your well-developed questions. Don't hesitate to conceive of topics that could provide strong lead-ins for valuable conversations.

The formal meeting is, of course, an extremely valuable opportunity for any employee who wishes to observe the actions of upper level management. You can learn from the ways that your co-workers interact with their supervisors, as well as the way the supervisors conduct themselves. Keep an eye open. If you are an active-minded worker, you will learn something from each moment in the office. Never pass up an opportunity to listen. Your simplest skills can lead to your biggest gains in understanding.

Like any other person in a position of authority, your superiors execute business decisions with both intellect and emotion. Remember this while you are an employee. Imagine yourself in their shoes. Would you handle this situation differently? The answer to this question, and your ability to learn from it, may be the most important thing you learn in your first few working years.