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 renewal powers of Spring upon us, here are a few ways to take control and spring forward our leadership:
1. Get To Know A New Colleague
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:
- What excites you most about this project?
- 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?
2. Register 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? Make lifelong learning a priority.
3. Join A New Community
Interacting with groups online or in-person can be the secret sauce in getting our leadership moving. There are so many exciting communities on LinkedIn and Facebook as well as professional in-person organizations. The knowledge you can gain and the leaders you can meet are beyond measure. Don’t be afraid to show up at a professional gathering in your field and be fully present with everyone you speak with. Volunteer in your community and connect with locals who may have similar interests with you. Meaningful volunteer work can not only bring us joy but also lead to new career possibilities.
4. Step Up And Ask For A New Project or Role
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. When a promotion is not imminent leaders find it helpful to grow by getting involved in new experiences.
- Speak up and ask for more challenging responsibilities to round out your current work.
- Interview a colleague or leader from a different part of the business.
- Ask to try out skills and strengths you haven’t used in your next assignment.
5. Find A Mentor, An Accountability Buddy or A Coach
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 a mentor at work, an accountability buddy or a colleague, be open to finding someone to learn from and grow with. An accountability partner helps us stay on track as we work towards a specific goal. 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. A coach can be a creative thought partner helping us identify what we really want from our jobs and careers.
How will you spring forward your leadership?
If you need some help with dreaming and creating a solid plan just reach out.