Become your Own Leader: Don’t Wait for your Organization to Create Opportunities for You
A new normal has emerged in the workplace. Switching jobs used to be a red flag for recruiters but it’s now an accepted practice. In fact, according to a recent report on employee tenure from the Bureau of Labor, employees of all ages in the United States change jobs on average every 4.2 years. It’s even less time for those aged 35 and younger. That means the average person will likely work for 12 or more companies in their career.
Most companies hire new people because they have the education and experience to do the job they are hired for. Statistically, new hires between the ages of 25 and 34 will only remain with that company for a median of 2.8 years. That means there is very little incentive for the employer to invest its time in the development of anything but “hard skills” in its young people. By hard skills I mean skills that are required to do what you are told to do. To keep people from leaving, companies adopt slogans like “people are our most important asset” and put in place performance management systems that include career path counseling, employee surveys, development programs that focus on hard skills, or leadership programs offered to high potential talent after more years than most will stay. The results of such individual and cultural development programs are generally disappointing.
The primary goal of a leader is to develop other people to also become leaders. The skills required to be a great leader are not the hard skills that make you a good “doer”. In today’s highly competitive, fast paced, and constantly changing work environment the new normal does not even reward leaders for developing their people. Most simply don’t have the time or the skill set it requires. That’s why it is critical to grow yourself by being your own leader so when you become a leader, you can also successfully grow others.
Human Centered Coaching puts the emphasis on your journey to reach your fullest potential, including abilities and appreciation for life. The journey requires you to step outside yourself, leave your comfort zone behind, and pass through a door to the unknown, where growth and potential reside. It places the focus on the human elements of all organizations because they are human systems which work best when people are actively cared for and invested in at every level. Human centered focus is the “secret sauce” that facilitates profound growth, self-discovery, and the realization of your potential.
As a leader yourself, you can learn to form effective internal partnerships and collaborative working relationships that are important tools for reinforcing a shared common vision and purpose and commitment to continual improvement. Don’t wait for your organization to create these opportunities for you. Learn how youcan create them on your own. To find out more about the importance of Human Centered Coaching and its ability to help you learn, grow, and execute your vision reach out. We offer a free introductory consultation and would like to hear about your individual circumstances.