More than you think

I was coaching a leader last week who has just taken on a massive project. It's well outside his usual work domain, and he was concerned that he was out of his depth. I remember feeling the same way when asked to do a similar project years ago. It’s daunting, especially when there’s a lot riding on the outcome.

In his case, the project is mission critical for the business. It’s stalled several times already in the hands of others. He’s been handed the job because he gets things done.

As we talked through his past experience, there were a number of immediately transferable skills and mindsets that he hadn’t considered. It's often the way — you know more than you think you do.

A mother who has been at home a while is a master of logistics and managing expectations.

An accountant can turn their eye for detail to anything involving detail.

A former teacher can apply their ability to teach to developing the skills of any team.

Skills transfer from jobs, relationships, hobbies and interests.

If you are facing a new challenge, ask what you have done before that can apply to the new domain. Keep an open mind about what you don’t know, but have a go. You know more than you think you do. If you need a hand finding your feet in a new leadership domain, sing out. I’d love to help.