In an environment of agile workforces, hybrid schedules, and a plethora of side hustles, we are being pushed further and further in the direction of creating more than one significant skill to remain in high demand in our careers.
Developing multiple skills creates versatility in your ability to be seen as an essential team member, and the same goes for leaders. Today, this is essential for survival in the workforce. In years past, we locked into a singular leadership style and let our teams adapt around us while we supplemented our shortcomings with those who had those skills we were lacking. Now, however, we need to start doing this ourselves.
How do we do this with intent while aligning our passions, skills, and purpose? Well, first, we need to take a step back and clarify a few things. Here are some tips to get started.
Align purpose with passion and skills. (Ask, what else am I great at? And how does it align with my purpose?))
Align passion and skills with the organization’s business. (How can my passion or skills contribute?)
Position passion and skills with your leadership team. (Notify and demonstrate your passion or skills to others)
Seek out the needed skills in your organization and look at how your current skills and passions align with them. Use this as your base and begin developing any additional elements that you may be currently missing.
From a leadership perspective, do the same thing. Does your organization need something particular to help it achieve its overall goals? Does it need someone with project management skills? How about training and development skills? Maybe it needs someone who can lead a creative team? Often, organizations find themselves in need of very specialized leadership to deliver specific results.
Also, as a leader, are you looking for versatile skills within your team? Often team members may not verbalize or demonstrate their hidden talents. Before looking outside your organization for specific skills, start by looking within and let the team know of the needs you have for projects or tasks. You may be surprised!
By looking for performance gaps in your organization, you may find opportunities to help lead. It may take a little self-development first, but where there is a need for versatility, there is the potential to stand out.
Also, as a leader, are you looking for versatile skills within your team? Often team members may not verbalize or demonstrate their hidden talents. Before looking outside your organization for specific skills, start by looking within and let the team know of the needs you have for projects or tasks. You may be surprised!
*Listen to our full discussion on our podcast! https://www.gapology.org/podcast