The Harvard Business Review published some excellent advice in a recent article titled Five Resolutions for Aspiring Leaders. The article was written by John Coleman and Bill George.
- “Find a trustworthy mentor: Mentorship is a critical component of your development as a leader. A 2004 study showed that young leaders with mentors were more likely to succeed professionally and experience career satisfaction.
- Form a leadership development group: Most of us have little time to reflect on the values and characteristics we want to define us as leaders, the difficulties we’re facing, or the long-term impact we hope to have.
- Volunteer in a civic or service organization: Have you served your community this year? In the Facebook era it’s easy to lose touch with our real-world neighbors. Participating in local organizations can give you early leadership experiences, provide real connection to your neighbors, and offer opportunities to serve others.
- Work in or travel to one new country: The world is flat, as Tom Friedman puts it, so it has never been more important to get global experience. In the future cultural sensitivity will be a more important characteristic for leaders than pure intellectual ability.
- Finally, ask more questions than you answer: With the high velocity of change in the world, it is impossible to have answers to all the important questions. Much more important is a deep curiosity about the world and the ability to frame the right questions in profound ways.”
John Coleman is the author of Passion and Purpose: Stories from the Best and Brightest Young Business Leaders. Bill George is professor of management practice at Harvard Business School and author of five books, including True North and True North Groups.
Excellent advice from two world-class leaders and authors!
To read the entire article, please click here.
