What do you do if your leadership skills need a boost in late career?
Finding yourself in the later stages of your career can often be a time of reflection and reassessment. If you're sensing that your team leadership skills could use some revitalization, it's crucial to acknowledge this feeling as a first step towards positive change. In an era where leadership techniques and workplace dynamics are constantly evolving, staying adaptable and open to learning is key. This doesn't just apply to those starting out; it's equally important for seasoned professionals who wish to maintain their effectiveness as leaders.
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Marek WasilewskiGlobal Technology Executive | SVP/GM | Unlocking Leadership Potential in Teams for Global Success
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Max BazilePartner - Deloitte Consulting - Total Rewards Offering Leader
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Susan LeverittExecutive Sales Leader | Delivering industry-leading B2B customer experiences & unprecedented sales results with…
Engaging with your team to solicit feedback is a powerful way to enhance your leadership skills. Create a safe space where team members can express their thoughts on your leadership style and the team's dynamics. Listen actively and without defensiveness to understand their perspectives. This exercise can reveal blind spots and areas for improvement that you might not have recognized on your own.
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Early in career or late in career, it should make no difference. Every day is an opportunity to switch into an "always be learning" mode.
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I would say “get” a mentor and “be” one too.
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A very wise man(he knows who he is) 😁 told me many years ago that “learners are earners.” Never stop learning. Never stop seeking to grow. He didn’t put an age limit on it. You are never so much of an expert in anything that there isn’t something else to learn and you are never too old.
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Like I always say, boosting leadership skills in late career involves a blend of self-reflection, learning & adaptation. Here's a meaningful approach: Self-Assessment: Start by evaluating your current leadership strengths and weaknesses. Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, seminars, leadership courses to acquire new skills and perspectives. Embrace Change: Embrace new technologies, methodologies and trends in your industry. Empower Others: Shift from a directive to a more empowering leadership style. Lead by Example: Model the behaviour you expect from others & grace under pressure. Lead with humility & learning from them. Remember, leadership is a journey of continuous growth and improvement.
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It is of highest importance that we continue learning and adapting to the world that is being shaped by AI and technology in general. In order to give a boost in late career I would consider mentoring from a much younger professional who can give insights on the topics and aspects that are a priority for younger colleagues and leaders. In addition, I would enrol to management and leadership trainings in order to better understand how I should manage younger people and companies today.
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Procure no seu time ou fora dele pessoas que tenham o conhecimento que você busca. Não importa o cargo, importa é conhecimento que se busca.
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If you feel your leadership skills need improvement later in your career, seek out opportunities for professional development, gather feedback from colleagues, consider working with a mentor or coach, engage in self-reflection, and stay open to new ideas and innovations to enhance your effectiveness as a leader.
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One thing I have found helpful is to gain some clarity around what you think you need to improve to become a better leader. Here are some suggestions: 1. Self-assessment- Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. What areas do you excel in, and what areas could use improvement? 2. Seek feedback- Ask for feedback from colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates. 3. Continuous learning- Take advantage of leadership development programs, workshops, courses, and seminars. 4. Networking- Build relationships with other leaders in your industry or field. Networking can provide opportunities to learn from others and gain new perspectives on leadership. Following these steps can help you to become a more effective leader.
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Leading human beings is the most personal professional development experience you will ever experience. Your leadership skills are a reflection of two main external influencers. The size and complexity of your team and two, the economic climate your company faces. When your team changes and/or the economy changes you must adapt as a leader and often learn new leadership skills. Which external force are you facing as a leader? Philippe, M.A. OD & Leadership, BComm
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Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement as a leader. Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or coaches to gain insights into areas where you can grow. Find a mentor or coach who can provide guidance, support, and constructive feedback to help you develop your leadership skills. Learn from their experiences and insights to accelerate your growth. Learn to delegate tasks and responsibilities to empower your team members and foster their growth and development. Trust your team to deliver results and provide support and guidance when needed. Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork within your organization. Encourage communication, cooperation, and mutual respect among team members to achieve common goals.
Continuous learning is vital, regardless of career stage. Explore new leadership theories, attend workshops, or enroll in courses that focus on advanced leadership skills. By embracing a learner's mindset, you demonstrate to your team that growth and adaptation are essential components of effective leadership.
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In my experience,you have to be open always to learn My motto: Each day I grow older, and learn something new (Solon the Athenian)
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Whenever there is a need for learning - You admit it to yourself and accept it as it is. Then you keep learning. Always and always
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Embracing continuous learning is essential for staying relevant and effective in any career stage. Apart from traditional leadership workshops, consider unconventional learning methods like podcasts or TED talks on leadership topics. Engaging with different perspectives and exploring diverse theories can enrich your leadership approach. Additionally, mentorship programs or peer-to-peer learning within professional networks offer valuable insights and practical advice. Moreover, don't overlook informal learning opportunities such as industry conferences or networking events, where you can exchange ideas and learn from peers' experiences. By diversifying your learning sources, you cultivate a well-rounded leadership styles
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I subscribe to the belief that “leaders are learners”. Leaders don’t ever get the luxury of coasting or simply operating on the experience and knowledge from the past. Leaders must develop a healthy sense of curiosity in their work and among their team. I do find this curiosity is contagious within an organization and can inspire others to do that same.
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The leadership journey is far from over in the late career stages—it's a continued evolution. Embracing learning becomes not just a choice but a strategic imperative. A learner's mindset not only enriches personal leadership skills but also fosters a culture of growth within the team.
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I believe continuous learning will keep you updated with new creative ideas, the need to check and balance yourself with feedbacks from colleagues will also help bridge the gaps within lapses that might keep you outdated. An open mindset theory is completely important to every leadership.
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This has always been at the center of who I am as a person. I remember a long time ago, someone once mentioned the teacher-student-learner triangle, and this passage resonated well to me in a similar manner.
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Como Sr. Coach aún sigo formándome en ámbitos nuevos, que represente un desafío para mis perspectivas. Mi trabajo, requiere de amplitud de criterios e ideas para brindar posibilidad de interpretaciones diferentes a otras personas y colaboradores. Mi recomendación es que aunque seas senior, sigas manteniendo la actitud personal de junior. Continúa preguntando, consulta desde la sencillez e inocencia de niño/a, sorpréndete con los acontecimientos y comparte con tu equipo tus puntos de vistas nuevos. Que tu último tramo de carrera se vuelva rico en interacciones distintas y desafiantes. Porque además, quién dijo que será lo último que hagas, quizás comiences una nueva actividad y sigas en el ritmo del aprendiz que siempre debemos ser.
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Regardless of career stage, continuous learning is essential for growth. Stay current with leadership trends through diverse resources like books, articles, and podcasts. Engage in workshops and courses to enhance leadership skills, learning from experts and peers. Lead by example in pursuing growth opportunities, while encouraging team members to do the same. Embrace new ideas with curiosity, acknowledging that adaptability is key to effective leadership. Embracing continuous learning is key to enhancing your late-career leadership skills. By exploring new knowledge, attending workshops, fostering a learning culture, and embracing a learner's mindset, you set an example for your team and cultivate a culture of growth and innovation.
Consider both being a mentor and seeking one. As a mentor, you refine your leadership skills by guiding others, which can offer fresh insights into your own approach. Conversely, a mentor can provide you with seasoned advice, alternative strategies, and the benefit of their experience, helping you navigate challenges and expand your leadership toolkit.
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Seek mentorship from a seasoned leader or executive coach who can offer guidance, support, and fresh insights. Leverage their experience to refine your skills, address blind spots, and develop a growth mindset. Mentorship provides valuable feedback, encouragement, and accountability, helping you reignite your leadership spark and finish your career with confidence and impact.
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Engaging in mentorship is invaluable for leadership growth. As a mentor, you not only impart knowledge but also refine your own leadership skills through teaching and guiding others. For instance, mentoring a junior colleague allows you to practice coaching and communication, enhancing your ability to convey complex ideas effectively. On the other hand, seeking a mentor provides access to seasoned advice and alternative perspectives. For example, a mentor can offer insights on navigating office politics or handling challenging team dynamics based on their own experiences. Additionally, joining mentorship programs or networks expands your professional circle, offering diverse perspectives and support networks.
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Mentorship holds invaluable significance for both mentors and mentees alike. As a mentor, guiding others provides an opportunity to refine one's leadership skills through the lens of teaching and guiding. Seeking mentorship allows us to benefit from the wisdom and experience of Others. They provide invaluable advice and share practical insights to help navigate challenges and expand leadership capabilities.
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We need to prioritize experiential learning by actively pursuing opportunities for hands-on leadership development. This may involve leading cross-functional projects or engaging in leadership simulations. Certain organizations prioritize the cultivation of future leaders internally, focusing on growth paths and implementing proper succession planning.
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If you feel that your leadership skills could benefit from a boost later in your career, continuous growth becomes paramount. Engaging with an executive mentor can offer invaluable guidance for enhancing your leadership abilities. This engagement allows you to openly discuss your current position, challenges, and areas for improvement. Your mentor will provide insights into additional areas where you can develop and offer tools, classes, and tips to facilitate growth. Remember not to be too hard on yourself; challenges serve as catalysts for growth, and having a mentor can be a significant source of support.
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Both being a mentor and seeking one offer valuable opportunities for leadership growth: Mentorship as a Mentor: Guiding others refines your leadership skills, offering fresh insights into your approach. Example: Coaching a junior team member through a project enhances your communication skills. Mentorship as a Mentee: A mentor provides seasoned advice, helping you navigate challenges and expand your leadership toolkit. Example: Seeking guidance during a crisis situation can provide valuable perspective. Engaging in mentorship, whether as a mentor or mentee, enriches your leadership journey. As a mentor, you refine your skills, while as a mentee, you gain invaluable guidance and perspective.
Broadening your experience by taking on different projects or roles can reenergize your leadership approach. These opportunities push you out of your comfort zone, compelling you to adapt and develop new skills. This diversification not only benefits your personal growth but also sets a positive example for your team.
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By embracing different projects or roles, you invite fresh challenges that push you beyond your comfort zone, fostering adaptability and skill development. This diversification not only fuels personal growth but also serves as a compelling example for your team
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Definitely, having diversified knowledge of various tasks during different projects in a company or other would induce a level of confidence in oneself which reflects in his actions, sets an example for the team and better decision making capabilities. Seek feedback from your team and provide them an environment where they can express themselves and transparency should be there in every action. This will lead to the growth of self, team and organisation as whole.
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Encouraging rotational assignments entails team members temporarily transitioning between domains to acquire fresh perspectives and skills. While some organizations within the IT/software solutions industry limit employees to a single function or domain, aiming to capitalize on deep domain knowledge to enhance efficiencies for both the organization and its customers. Therefore, I believe organizations should adopt a dual approach, with some individuals specializing in specific domains and others afforded the opportunity to work across different domains to foster broader learning.
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I will try to improve my learning ability by going deep into the problems and there possible solutions discuss with my friends and colleagues to find the best solution.a I will try to enhance my skills through learning and getting ideas through internet and friends. I can also get help from AI (Artificial intelligence) to get my goal.
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Taking up different online courses will surely help build any individual and will expand ones experience and approach towards executing tasks in the leadership role. Diversifying will completely improve you personally and mentally leaving you to become an amazing fit as a leader.
Make time for regular self-reflection to assess your leadership journey. Consider what strategies have been successful and which areas need refinement. This introspection can lead to a deeper understanding of your leadership style and how it aligns with your team's needs and the organization's goals.
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Implement peer coaching circles, where small groups of leaders convene regularly to exchange experiences, provide feedback, and collaboratively brainstorm solutions to leadership obstacles. Additionally, reflect on how your team has evolved under your leadership to gauge the effectiveness of your leadership approach for team members.
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Reflect regularly on your leadership journey, acknowledging accomplishments and areas for growth. Schedule self-reflection time to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and leadership style. Ask yourself: 'What could I have done differently?' 'What skills do I need to develop?' 'How can I improve?' Regular reflection helps you adapt, learn, and refine your leadership approach, leading to a stronger, more effective leadership presence.
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Considering a check and balance attributes to always look into your leadership role, to help understand which area needs an urgent attention for rebuilding and to help the team and the organisation generally.
Networking isn't just for job seekers; it's a valuable tool for leaders at any stage. By actively engaging with peers, you can exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, and learn from the experiences of others in leadership roles. This can provide new perspectives and strategies that you can apply within your own team.
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In my experience, it's always important to stay connected with colleagues from other industries to exchange best practices. Some industries evolve faster than others, and many times it has helped me understand how other companies tackle similar challenges to the ones I face, enabling me to devise an effective strategy for my work. Being open to listening to different perspectives and having psychological safety to constantly question and be questioned is crucial for continuous learning.
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Não deixe a correria do dia a dia tirar seu tempo de estudo e relacionamento com os colegas. Crie na agenda uma hora para vc.
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Les groupes de pratiques professionnelles sont très appréciés pour renouveler les compétences managériales du leader et innover sur la fin de sa carrière. Il est possible que le leader ait besoin de booster sa motivation, de transformer ses modes de communication, de créer d'autres formes de cohésion avec les nouvelles générations. Pour cela, l'intelligence collective et les cercles collaboratifs ouvrent le champ d'une dynamique d'échanges entre leaders qui cherchent des solutions pour jouer le rôle de mentor en fin de carrière.
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You may not the best leader but you can always be better if you are open minded and intentionally growing your skills. As a leader, you must measure your effectiveness by how much influence you have & why people follow you. A great leader is followed because of who they are (character) & what they represent. This has nothing to do with job title or position. A leader listens, learns & leads. Are you listening and learning? Or just giving out commands?
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Cuando llega el momento en que tus habilidades de liderazgo necesitan un impulso, es crucial no sucumbir al estancamiento; invierte en el aprendizaje continuo: busca mentoría, asiste a cursos, y lee sobre las últimas tendencias en liderazgo. Practica la empatía y la escucha activa para comprender las necesidades de tu equipo. Aprovecha tu experiencia para guiar, pero mantente receptivo a nuevas ideas y perspectivas. No temas delegar responsabilidades y empoderar a otros. Cultiva un entorno donde la colaboración y la innovación florezcan. Recuerda que el liderazgo es un viaje de crecimiento constante, incluso al final de tu carrera. ¡Haz de este último tramo tu momento para brillar con una renovada pasión y visión!
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A growth mindset is about continuous learning and development. Engaging with a coach or mentor can provide fresh perspectives, targeted advice, and assistance in setting and achieving new goals. They also offer feedback and hold you accountable. This support can help you stay resilient and motivated during late-career transitions. Leveraging their experience and guidance can revitalise your leadership capabilities and help you grow personally and professionally, regardless of your career stage.
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No leader is perfect and no leader reaches a pinnacle where they no longer need help, advice, or some refresher training. Learn something new, explore different perspectives, mentor new employees, and consider investing in yourself with a coach.
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It's essential to recognize the shifting dynamics in the workplace, especially with the emergence of Gen Z. As leaders we must embrace continuous learning and adapt our leadership styles to meet the needs of this new generation. This may involve understanding their preferences for a more collaborative and tech-savvy work environment and providing opportunities for skills development through mentorship. So let's invest in our own growth.
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Alongside the fundamental aspects, I emphasize the significance of nurturing a psychologically safe environment wherein team members are encouraged to take risks, express ideas freely, and perceive failure as an opportunity for learning and development. This stands in contrast to directed decision-making, where leadership entrusts individuals to determine their course of action but continually intervenes, thereby undermining the essence of empowerment.
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The leader is a human being also and needs self care to be able to grow and learn. I recommend positive psychology and mindfulness meditation also integrate leadership. Work with all perspectives mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
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