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At some stage you look around and the next generation of leaders is right behind you.
let’s level up:
Grow Yourself To Grow Your BusinessSmash through growth ceilings,
The Meeting That Followed You HomeYou are in a meeting and someone younger puts forward an idea. It is a strong idea. You had the same one. You had not said it yet. Everyone looks at them. That used to be you. You say something supportive, and you mean it. You are glad they are thinking this way. Then you get home and you cannot switch off. You keep going back over the meeting. Am I still across this? Would they still call me first? You do not mention it to anyone. You are still thinking about it over breakfast.
When the Next Generation of Leaders Beats You to ItFor years, being the person with the answer was how you were valued. People called you because you knew. That became a big part of how you see yourself. So when someone else gets there first, it gets to you. Part of you knows it is not about you. It still shows up in small ways. You wait a beat longer before recommending them for something. The bigger projects stay on your desk a little longer. That makes sense. You are looking after the part of you people have counted on for a long time.
What You Get BackIt is easy to see what you are losing. Less attention. Fewer people coming to you first. Maybe less say in where things are heading. It is harder to see what you are gaining, but it is there. You are not the only one thinking about the big questions anymore. Ideas you started are being picked up and taken further than you had time to take them. Some of the pressure to be the one with the answer comes off you. And some of your time comes back for the things that need you most. You are losing some things and gaining others. Both are happening at once.
Backing the Next Generation of LeadersNext time it happens, notice what comes up in you. Then ask yourself what this person coming through makes possible for you, for the business and for your people. You might introduce them to someone you know. You might hand them the next speaking spot. You might tell them their idea was a strong one, in front of everyone. Then see what happens. The business keeps moving. People still come to you, often for different reasons than before.
What Stays YoursYou still have your years of experience. The decisions you made. The people you helped. That does not go anywhere because someone younger spoke up first. And someone once made space for you. They put you forward and gave you a chance before you had done much to earn it. Who helped you when you were the younger one in the meeting? If someone coming up behind you has been on your mind, book a 15-minute Strategy Call and we will look at what is underneath it. To your brilliance, Tanya Cross Industry Leader Coach & The Coaches’ Coach BAppSoSc (Counselling) |
