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Have you ever been told you’re “not ready” for the next step in your career? It can be disappointing, but it’s also an opportunity to grow. Instead of feeling discouraged, use this feedback as a catalyst to expand your knowledge, skills, and abilities. By seeking new experiences, reflecting on key learnings, and developing transferable skills, we learn more about ourselves and become more confident asking for and receiving the feedback we need for greater opportunities.
If you've received the "not ready" feedback, it’s time to expand your strategic perspective so that others consider you ready for more responsibility. So what does it take to move beyond our current level of competence? Self-awareness and intentional action and very likely some discomfort. Here are six key pathways to broadening your expertise so you can grow as a leader:
1. Inner drive. What if you knew that your ambitions for your career are indeed the best outcome for you to thrive? Trust yourself to pursue those ambitions. Humbly articulate your strengths, comfortably acknowledge your weaknesses, share your aspirations, ask for advice. Welcome opportunities that equip you for success towards your ideal. The more you own your professional journey, the more doors will open.
2. Pivotal events. What might unexpected obstacles reveal about gaps in your or others’ skills, experiences, or processes? Don’t be afraid to step into ambiguous situations. Whether it's navigating a failing project, addressing a process breakdown, or leading in a crisis, these moments develop resilience, influence, and problem-solving skills. Unexpected challenges can be a goldmine for growth.
3. Serving others. How can sharing knowledge help elevate those around you? Develop a reputation for being a great teammate. Sharing what you know with others, providing context for decisions, and including others in collaborative problem-solving are valuable ways to expand your knowledge, your network, and list of potential solutions. Expanding your impact expands your influence…and your own growth follows.
4. Broad network. How might diverse professional relationships move you closer to your ambitions? Believe this common business refrain: “it’s not only what you know, but who knows what you know that matters”. Seek out mentors, senior leaders, industry specialists, and coaches (let’s chat!) who can provide insights beyond your current experience. A strong network can enhance your visibility and equips you to navigate complexities and organizational dynamics that help you grow.
5. Classroom learning. What education channels will help you find aspirational success? Ongoing education sharpens your skills and expands your perspective. Take a class, attend a workshop, get involved in a professional organization, or volunteer for a stretch assignment to pick up more skills or broaden your industry knowledge. The more you apply what you learn, the faster you’ll build credibility and expertise.
6. Independent learning. How might cultivating a learning mindset enrich your long-term success? Learning doesn’t stop when the formal training ends. Read more, listen to podcasts, subscribe to newsletters (sign up for mine!), set aside thinking time to reflect on your experiences, engage in conversations that challenge your thinking. Lead yourself well by being a lifelong learner who stays curious and open to change.
Growth-minded professionals intentionally broaden their expertise so they can lead more effectively in our ever-evolving world. Whether you consider yourself a specialist or a generalist, ongoing learning is necessary to thrive. For specialists, being a subject matter expert requires ongoing training and skills development in a specific area to stay efficient and relevant. For generalists, being competent in a variety of settings requires cross-functional experiences and thoughtful collaboration for faster and more creative outcomes.
Careers aren’t meant to be linear, and neither is learning. The more you embrace new experiences the more opportunities will unfold. So, which pathway will you focus on next? Pick one and take the first step today. And if you’re ready to accelerate your growth, let’s chat!
As a leadership coach, I coach growth-minded professionals to lead well, get recognized, and thrive.
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