This is not an uncommon one, unfortunately, many of the emerging leaders I speak to feel like they have their managers attention only about the work or projects - there's seemingly not enough time to talk about development.  My recommendation is actually part of this the subtitle of this workshop -  you're the boss of your career – that means taking initiative yourself even if you don't get time or attention from your direct manager. I recommend the development actions I mention in the workshop. 

Actions like:

• Being active in different associations (in your industry and/or discipline or role)
• Find a mentor, someone more senior and/or a track record of success
• Networking in person or virtually, ask your connections for recommendations based on your needs or goals

Some people think that sharing their successes is egotistical and is trying to take the spotlight from the efforts of the team. My advice is that you consider what the deliverables are for your projects (results, KPIs, OKRs, etc.), then closely track your results. Focus not only on what you do but the how you do it. Are you a supportive team member, an effective communicator of complex ideas to clients – what do you contribute by the way you work with others? Keep track in a document – I am not kidding about that.  Track the results and highlight the results and achievements you brought to the team. Note your accomplishments and progress one-on-ones with your manager. Another benefit to this approach is that you have a compilation of achievements to put into your performance appraisals, if needed.

You can be a leader without a staff or direct reports, absolutely. Many of the skills you use as a high-performing individual contributor are the same ones you need as a people-leader.  For example, if you're a project manager you need to have conflict management skills, listening and questioning skills, strong decision-making practices, and the ability to set clear expectations.  If you work with stakeholders or in a matrix organization there are overlapping skills that you would need as a team or people-leader As I covered in my book, it is more important that you stretch and gain skills so when you do get a team it'll be a smooth transition. You don’t need a team right now to act like a leader.