Being a leader isn’t always smooth sailing because we tend to hit bumps and roadblocks more often than not. Sometimes we just get tired of our workspaces or lose interest in the projects we are working on. Although we may have a supportive team with people who we care about deeply, we yearn for some new faces and perspectives to add to the mix. With the New Year almost upon us, here are a few ways to take control and spice up our leadership:
GET TO KNOW A NEW COLLEAGUE OR CO-WORKER
Look around at the amazing people you connect with at work, online, in your town, on the phone or in a volunteer project. Do you want to forge a deeper connection with a particular person and learn more about what is meaningful to them? When we open ourselves up to new conversations and areas we never knew much about, we begin to enrich our leadership. Think about some of these questions to ask them:
- How do you feel about the project we are working on together?
- What obstacles almost derailed you and how did you overcome them?
- In what ways do your personal and professional lives intersect?
- Do you prefer to work individually or on a team?
SIGN-UP FOR A NEW COURSE OR WEBINAR
Lifelong learning has always been my motto as it empowers me to keep up with new and classic trends in addition to ever-changing technology. To make this happen, it is essential for leaders to pursue not just informal but formal types of coursework. There are great webinars out there that don’t require much time while yielding great benefits. Think about areas in your professional life that need updating. Are there certifications you could attain that would liven up your work?
[Tweet “Leaders make lifelong learning a priority.”]
JOIN A NEW COMMUNITY
Interacting with groups online or face- to- face can be the secret sauce in getting our leadership moving. There are so many exciting communities on Google+, Facebook and LinkedIn to name a few. The knowledge you can gain and the leaders you can meet is beyond measure. Don’t be afraid join a Tweet Chat as most of them are super friendly and welcoming. Volunteer in your community and connect with locals who may have similar interests with you.
[Tweet “Meaningful volunteer work can feel like play for leaders.”]
ASK FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF PROJECT
When presenting a Leadership Program this year, the managers realized that sometimes just asking to be part of a different aspect of a project can be invigorating. There is something to be said for cross training on all teams because it allows each member to not only learn new skills but also obtain a new perspective from another’s point of view.
- Speak up and ask for more challenging responsibilities to round out your current work
- Interview a different department head or co-worker about what they contribute to the project
- Ask to try out skills and strengths you haven’t used in your next assignment
FIND A MENTOR
Locating a magical person who can help you navigate your career is priceless and critical. As we grow and evolve into the leaders we want to be, it is so helpful to partner with someone who can give you honest feedback as well as suggestions to think about. Whether it be an advocate at work, an accountability buddy or a colleague, be open to finding someone to learn from and grow with. Our mentors don’t necessarily have to be in the same field as we are. They just need to care about us and our success.
How will you spice up your leadership as the New Year begins?
Terri,
This is such an important topic. I see too many people become complacent, when there is so much growth that could happen with just a bit of effort. 5 years of experience can be 1 year of experience 5 times, or 5 exciting years of growth, challenge and development.
I agree that leaders do get stuck when they don’t keep growing and learning and it really doesn’t take a lot to sit in on a webinar or have coffee with an interesting person they have wanted to meet.
Thanks Karin for your continued support! Looking forward to the book!
Terri
I often hear from people “my company doesn’t invest in my development” and they use it as an excuse. There are always ways we can grow our networks, stretch our skills and find opportunities for learning whether the company pays for it or not! Since the emergence of MOOCs learning with top institutions is available to anyone willing to make the time and commitment.
Great post to leap into 2015 – taking responsibility to spice it up!
Thanks, Terri!
I am so glad you bring up the MOOC’s because they can be an extraordinary way to learn and meet leaders from across the globe. The topics that are offered in the MOOC’s are vast and can complement any of our hidden passions.
It is up to each of us to own our next year leap and we shouldn’t put growing on the back burner.
Here’s to 2015 and the year for exceptional leadership!
I appreciate all your insights and support, Alli!
Great ideas Terri!
Joining a new group or community can stir things up in some exciting ways! Jon Mertz turned me on to Quest 2015 earlier this month and I’ve met a few new people this way.
It helps break up the status quo and silo ‘mentality’ that inevitably result when the same people work and or live together for awhile. Finding ways to bring in fresh ideas and thinking by tapping into new groups, resources, and people can really help.
Nice ideas. Thanks for sharing!
I have been following both you and Jon on this Quest 2015 and it looks so exciting and invigorating! You are so right that we need to lead by challenging the status quo and opening our minds to new perspectives and ways of doing things. A great way to do that is by connecting with new people and new concepts.
Glad we connected more deeply this year and hopefully will continue into 2015.
Thanks Samantha for continuing the conversation and with your wonderful insights!
Terri – Spicing things up always sounds like a good idea, and in the midst of winter blahs and the start of a New Year that is even more so… I love that your suggestions keep budgets in mind and that so many of them emphasize relationships.
It really doesn’t take a lot to commit to learning new things,especially with all the offerings on the internet. What I found was while adding new skills to my toolbox, I met amazing connections like you, Chery which have truly rejuvenated me!
Be open.
Be curious.
Be adventurous.
Be generous.
Thanks Chery for sharing your extraordinary gifts with me this year!
Terri