Most of us have either had the pleasure of or are on a trajectory of growth in our roles or organisations. Constantly on a path of seeking and implementation of mastery.
Yet what happens when we skip a crucial step in our learning scaffold? How do we look to overcome this, especially if your new role in the organisation is above where this learning can be practised without judgement, to effectively allow you to fail, and if needed, fail often?
The more I speak to and hear senior leaders speak, it’s readily apparent that there is little tolerance for learning in the job or capturing skills below their perceived role.
Where then does this leave you if you missed a crucial learning outcome in your last role?
To me, firmly in your own hands!
Recently we had someone join our team in this predicament. To their credit, they took the role specifically so they could broaden their base of knowledge and experience and provide a solid foundation to spring from.
What if this isn’t available to you or you want a different path?
It’s worthwhile considering reverse mentoring and discussing with someone who is a second, or third order direct report and displays high potential. Whilst you assist someone grows from the benefit of your experience likewise, the mentee can do similar.
The H&S field could use a leg up in the diversity stakes as noted here, here, here and here by various writers (Kevin, Kelly, Andrew, Alena and Richard). So my second order leverage point would be that if you’re willing to face up and acknowledge a gap in your learning, be transparent and seek out a reverse mentee which will help improve the diversity of the demographics of the field but also of thought.
This isn’t just for managers if you are reading this thinking you have to wait until you get the nod. The standard pace is for chumps and if you want to grow quickly, involve others in the journey. Be bold, ask first and seek people who are like-minded.
Be bold, ask first and seek people who are geared toward learning and transparency.
Btw if you read this and you want to mentor someone in instructional design, please hit me up via LinkedIn
Reframe my Safety Brain 