Webinar wrapup: Create a path to leadership

Last week, NGC founder Brian Alvo was joined by Karen Weeks for a webinar entitled, “Create a Path to Leadership.” Karen is a culture leader, coach, speaker, and author. She is the SVP of People at Ordergroove and CEO/Principal Coach at KDW Coaching.

Karen’s purpose is helping organizations build amazing cultures while guiding individuals to find fulfillment in their careers. 

Over the course of the discussion, Alvo and Weeks explored opportunities that leaders have to create conversations around career development, as well as why that matters and how to do it. Some of the key takeaways include:

Individuals need to ask for feedback and growth opportunities.

For people who want to map out a path in which they’ll expand their skill sets and knowledge, the first step is to understand what that path looks like. You need to know what's important to you. Is it flexibility? Do you want to learn new things? Once you identify those, be sure to revisit and update.

Be a partner in the process. Articulate a vision for yourself, what you want to achieve and where you want to go. Then inquire about the possibilities within your organization. And most of all: share it! Managers aren't mind readers.

Managers have to let go of the fear that something will break.

There is often tension between the desire to provide development and the fear that the very process of growth might 'break' something.

That tension is a good sign—it shows you care. But it also could indicate a fixed mindset. Choosing growth is more effective. Choose a growth mindset, and then *commit* to it. Ask how your people want to learn first. Then explore ways to deliver that experience they communicate.

You have a ‘brand’ as a manager, based on your own strengths and goals. For example, you could be a:

• Problem solver

• Big picture thinker

• Inspirational

And be sure to support one another. Your 'first team' is really other managers in your organization.

Jamboard where participants could capture the big takeaways and impressions from the conversation.