Team Leader Job

Caveat - I've never worked in the federal government, but most of this should apply anywhere....

I think it is important to express your interest in taking on additional responsibilities, because your management may just assume that you are content where you are.

Start with your team leader, expressing interest and asking where you need to develop to be ready for a role like this. I would also suggest you discuss this with your mentor (seek one out if you don't have one).

You also need to continue to be exceptional and outperform colleagues. This doesn't just mean doing more work than everyone else, but doing the right kind of work and getting involved in special projects & initiatives. Network, build relationships, go to lunch with new people in different departments. This is all important because you may be seen to not be ready for the team leader position yet, or there may be someone else who is a better fit. But expressing your interest and delivering excellent results will get you noticed and may open up other doors.

Good luck!

JIB

I work in local government & that sounds like the advice I was given. Worked favourably for me.

Go to the team leader, find out what he does.  Ask if you are "ready" for a job like his.  If not, what can you do to prepare yourself?  Maybe he'd be willing to let you take on more of his duties or shadow for a week or two.  Be enthusiastic about every task you do and do each one to the highest standard.

Be seen as a leader, invite others to lunch. 

Also, consider your wardrobe.  You know the old saying "dress for the job you want".  I know it matters in my org.  No one is going to think of you  as a leader if you wear a blouse and dress pants every day.  Put on a suit jacket & bam.  Our Council thinks you must "know your stuff".  Fair or not, it matters.

Michelle

Without disagreeing with all of the good advice discussed above, make sure you close.  The interview series goes into great detail on this, but the basic format is as follows:

"Boss, I want to take over your role after you retire, and here's why..."

You then list a few good reasons how this will provide value to the company (not to you and your career!)

Personally, I would do this with your boss, and with your boss's boss (with whom you should develop a relationship if you haven't already).

"Fortune favors the bold" - Pliny the Elder

The above advice is spot on.

 In addition, many federal managers (especially those with "line officer" responsibility under the delegations of authority for the agency)  have an "acting" list. The acting is the person  who covers for the boss when they are out and assumes their administrator role. If you are not already in an acting role, you should consider looking into it. It can be a good way to stretch yourself, contribute a little bit differently, and it gives those above you an opportunity to observe you in the role.