Career Development Category

Being a Leader and Earning Respect

Being a leader is one of the most important qualities that any coach looks for in a player. My son is a Division II baseball player who earned a scholarship to join a prestigious program. As a freshman, he was promised a starting position, but as often happens in competitive sports, the team brought in older, more experienced transfers before the spring season. These players came with collegiate experience in the same position my son plays. Naturally, he was disappointed when he found himself pushed down the depth chart.

“You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” — Babe Ruth

Turning Setbacks into Opportunities

Assigned to the JV team, he faced a tough adjustment. At first, he struggled to take practices seriously and had difficulty building relationships with his new teammates. His coaches, aware of his talent and potential, noticed the change in his demeanor. They believed he had a bright future with the program, but they also saw him joking around at practice and not giving his full effort.

One of his coaches decided to have a candid conversation with him. The coach reminded him of his responsibility to set an example, even on the JV team, and stressed the importance of demonstrating leadership qualities. That conversation became a pivotal moment. It challenged my son to rise above his disappointment and embrace his new role—not just as a player, but as a mentor.

Embracing Leadership

Taking his coach’s advice on being a leader, my son renewed his focus and commitment. He approached practices with intensity, began organizing extra training sessions, and worked on building stronger connections with his teammates. However, his leadership role was informal—the coaches hadn’t officially designated him as a leader—which made it harder for him to gain the respect and attention of his peers.

This lack of response frustrated him at first. He wanted to make an impact, but many of his teammates didn’t immediately follow his lead.

Earning Respect Through Consistency

I gave him a simple piece of advice: stay professional. Leadership isn’t about instant gratification. Respect takes time to earn. I reminded him that consistent actions would set him apart, especially when games began. His performance and attitude would speak louder than words.

I encouraged him to focus on meeting the expectations his coaches had outlined and to trust the process. Leadership isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through steady effort, one action at a time.

Starting a career, whether in sports or elsewhere, is a journey of earning respect and proving leadership. Talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee recognition. Older teammates or colleagues may see you as inexperienced, while peers may hesitate to view you as a leader. But with focus and consistency, your role and their perception of you will naturally evolve. Leadership requires more than doing your job well—it demands setting a higher standard, working relentlessly, and remaining resilient through challenges.

The Importance of Patience

If you aspire to lead, approach your work with purpose and discipline. Respect and authority grow over time through diligence, not frustration. Giving up too soon only forces you to start over with a new team or environment, repeating the same process to prove yourself. Each reset can delay your progress and disrupt the growth you’ve worked hard to achieve.

While skills can be transferred to new opportunities, a fresh start often brings new challenges. A new leader may not see your potential the way your previous one did, leaving you in an even tougher position. How many times can you start over before it hinders your development?

Setbacks Are Steppingstones to Being a Leader

Setbacks, like being underestimated or overlooked, often carry hidden opportunities for growth. They push you to refine your skills, strengthen your mindset, and prepare for greater leadership roles. If you remain patient, work hard, and trust in your potential, opportunities will eventually come.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, consistency, and the influence of strong leadership. Being new isn’t a weakness—it’s a chance to prove your promise. If you were recruited or recognized for your potential, someone already sees value in you. Use that as fuel to stay consistent and build toward the respect and leadership you seek.

Your current actions lay the foundation for your future. Setbacks aren’t the end—they’re the beginning of something greater.

Eight Steps to Being a Leader

If you’re new to informal leadership and struggling to gain your team’s respect, here are actionable steps to help you grow into your role:

Understand Your Role and Responsibilities – Take time to clearly define your role within the team. Understanding what’s expected of you ensures you can meet those expectations with confidence.
Communicate with Your Supervisor – If you’re finding it difficult to gain respect or step into a leadership role, speak with your coach or supervisor. They can offer guidance and help you navigate challenges.
Lead by Example – Actions speak louder than words. Show up early, work hard, and maintain a professional, positive attitude to set the tone for your teammates.
Build Relationships with Your Team – Respect and trust grow from genuine connections. Get to know your teammates personally, find common ground, and invest in building strong relationships.
Be Open to Feedback – Leadership requires constant growth. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve and refine your approach.
Stay Humble and Keep Learning – Leadership is a continuous journey. Stay grounded, seek ways to grow, and strive to be better every day.
Support Your Teammates’ Growth – True leadership is about empowering others. Encourage and support your teammates’ development, helping them reach their full potential.
Stay Focused and Committed – Don’t let initial setbacks discourage you. Leadership takes time and consistent effort. Stay committed to your goals and keep pushing forward.

Final Thoughts on Being a Leader

Leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility, demanding dedication, patience, and resilience. Early setbacks or a lack of immediate recognition should never undermine your resolve. True success isn’t measured by fleeting validation but by the lasting impact you have on others. By staying aligned with your values, putting in consistent effort, and persevering, respect and leadership will follow naturally. Remember, leadership is a journey—it takes time and cannot be rushed.

Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, commit to continuous learning, and have faith in your ability to lead. With persistence and determination, you’ll not only achieve personal success but also inspire and empower those around you. Strive to be the best version of yourself as a leader—your future self will be grateful you did.

Click here for a post on how to gain respect as a young professional.

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Gain Respect as a Young IT Professional

A young IT professional recently asked me how he could gain respect for his ideas while working with a team of older, more experienced colleagues. I shared my own journey, recalling how I started my career in IT at just 19, as the youngest member of the technology team. It wasn’t always easy—there were moments when I felt talked down to, as if my ideas couldn’t possibly hold weight because I was just starting out. It’s challenging to put your ego aside and engage respectfully with seasoned professionals, but navigating those dynamics with patience and humility is key to earning their trust and respect.

Navigating Dynamics in a Multigenerational Team

Working in a multigenerational team can be both exciting and challenging. Each person brings their own unique perspectives, experiences, and skillsets to the table. However, with these differences also come potential conflicts and misunderstandings.

As a young IT professional, working alongside more experienced colleagues can feel intimidating. It’s natural to question whether your ideas carry the same weight as theirs, but don’t let that stop you from sharing your thoughts and contributing to discussions.

At times, frustration may arise, but it’s important to manage your emotions, as losing control could strain the relationships you’re building with your coworkers. Remember, this might be a new experience for you—working with older, more seasoned professionals—but maintaining composure and professionalism is key. Embrace your youth as an opportunity to learn and grow and approach challenges with maturity and confidence.

In order to gain respect for your ideas while working with older colleagues, here are some tips that can help:

Be confident in your ideas – just because you may be younger and less experienced, doesn’t mean your ideas are any less valuable. Be confident in your knowledge and skills, and don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas with the team.
Listen and learn from others – while it’s important to voice your own opinions, it’s also crucial to listen to the perspectives of your older colleagues. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge that you can learn from. Show them respect by actively listening and engaging in discussions with an open mind.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions – asking questions is a sign of curiosity and eagerness to learn. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or further explanation from your more experienced colleagues. This shows that you are actively seeking to improve and grow in your role.
Show respect – respect is a two-way street. If you want to earn the trust and respect of your older colleagues, then you must also show them the same level of respect. Be mindful of their experience and expertise and try to learn from them whenever possible.
Be patient – building strong relationships takes time, especially when collaborating with individuals from different generations. Patience and understanding are key as you navigate team dynamics. Instead of expecting immediate results, focus on consistently fostering trust and mutual respect over time.

Interactions are Learning Opportunities

To gain respect I approached my interactions with more experienced professionals as invaluable learning opportunities. Aspiring to grow within the organization, I understood the importance of drawing insights from those with greater tenure. Their expertise extended beyond technical skills—I sought to grasp the nuances of organizational dynamics, leadership expectations, and workplace politics. By engaging with a humble and curious mindset, I not only built meaningful relationships with my seasoned colleagues but also gained profound insights that helped prepare me for the next stage of my career.

Working within a multigenerational team offers a unique chance to exchange diverse perspectives and ideas. Embracing this diversity can broaden your understanding and enrich your knowledge. It’s important to recognize that while experienced professionals bring wisdom, they don’t always have all the answers. Stay open to new ways of thinking and be willing to challenge your own assumptions. Growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing different viewpoints.

Reflecting on my journey as an IT professional, I feel a deep sense of pride in the lessons I’ve learned along the way. With an open mind, I absorbed knowledge from every interaction, project, and experience. Time moves quickly, and I’ve found that having a clear plan and staying adaptable can lead you to where you want to be. The knowledge and experiences you gain along the way will shape you into someone worthy of respect. And when you reach that stage, you might find yourself looking back, wishing for the energy and curiosity of being 19 again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to gain respect for your ideas while working with older colleagues in a multigenerational team takes patience, humility, and open-mindedness. By being confident in your own ideas, actively listening to others, showing respect, and embracing diversity, you can build strong relationships and contribute valuable insights to the team. Remember that navigating dynamics within a multigenerational team is an ongoing process, but with time and effort, you will earn the trust and respect of your colleagues. So, keep learning from those around you and don’t be afraid to share your unique perspectives – after all, each generation brings value to the table!

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How to Develop Executive Presence

You’ve probably heard the term “executive presence” and its importance in leadership. But what exactly does it mean? And does it differ depending on your workplace?

What is Executive Presence?

Executive presence is the impression a leader makes, combining appearance, communication, and demeanor to project confidence, authority, and credibility. This quality is essential for effective leadership, as it influences how others perceive and respond to a leader. It’s not just about how you look; it’s also about how you present yourself through body language, tone, and facial expressions in a professional setting.

A strong executive presence can inspire trust and command respect, making it easier to lead teams and convey messages effectively. Developing this presence involves being mindful of nonverbal cues, such as maintaining eye contact, using gestures appropriately, and speaking clearly and confidently. Moreover, understanding the nuances of professional attire and grooming is part of crafting an image that aligns with the desired level of authority and professionalism.

Why is it Important?

Executive presence is vital for career advancement and success in leadership. It involves projecting confidence, credibility, and authenticity, which inspires trust and respect among peers. A strong executive presence helps build and maintain robust relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, enabling effective communication and collaboration. It also aids in making sound decisions under pressure, showing resilience and composure in challenging situations.

Moreover, a well-developed executive presence enhances your ability to represent your organization effectively, whether in negotiations, public speaking engagements, or day-to-day interactions, thereby contributing significantly to both personal career growth and organizational success.

Does Executive Presence Vary by Workplace?

While the core concept of executive presence remains the same—encompassing traits like confidence, decisiveness, and effective communication—its specific aspects may be valued differently depending on workplace culture and industry norms. Some industries might prioritize formal attire and traditional communication methods as indicators of professionalism and authority. In contrast, other sectors may lean towards casual attire and informal communication, valuing approachability and adaptability. For instance, a tech startup might embrace a laid-back dress code and open dialogue, whereas a law firm might maintain a formal environment to exude credibility and trust.

Moreover, different leadership roles within the same organization may require varying levels of executive presence tailored to their specific responsibilities and team dynamics. An entry-level manager might focus on honing communication skills and building strong rapport with their team to foster collaboration and motivate individuals. Meanwhile, an executive leader, responsible for steering the organization, might need to convey a more pronounced sense of authority, embodying strategic vision and strong decision-making abilities to inspire confidence among stakeholders and guide the company through complex challenges. Through this nuanced approach, leaders at all levels can effectively adapt their executive presence to meet the expectations of their roles and the cultures they operate within.

How Can You Develop Executive Presence?

Developing executive presence is a skill that requires time, dedication, and effort. It is the ability to inspire confidence in others, demonstrating leadership qualities that go beyond just appearances. Here are some tips to help you cultivate this important skill:

Hone your communication skills through regular practice and constructive feedback. Effective communication is key to conveying your ideas clearly and persuasively.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, as first impressions can significantly impact how you are perceived. Dress appropriately for your environment and uphold a polished, respectful attitude.
Be mindful of your body language and non-verbal cues, as these often speak louder than words. Make eye contact, stand tall, and use gestures that convey confidence and openness.
Build confidence in yourself and your capabilities by setting achievable goals and celebrating small victories. Confidence is often rooted in self-awareness and the continuous pursuit of personal growth.
Cultivate strong relationships with colleagues and stakeholders by being approachable, empathetic, and supportive. A network of trusted connections can enhance your influence and effectiveness as a leader.

Investing in these areas will not only enhance your executive presence but also contribute to your overall personal and professional development.

Additional Tips for Building Executive Presence:

Seek feedback from colleagues and peers to identify areas for improvement. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights into how others perceive your leadership style and help you address any weaknesses.
Observe and learn from successful leaders in your industry. Pay attention to how they communicate, make decisions, and navigate challenging situations. Emulating their best practices can enhance your own leadership skills.
Enhance your communication skills through public speaking, writing, and active listening. Clear and effective communication is crucial for leaders, so consider joining a public speaking club or taking writing courses to improve your skills.
Cultivate self-awareness and manage your emotions effectively. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses allows you to regulate your emotions and respond to situations thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Take on challenging tasks and projects to showcase your competence and leadership. Volunteering for complex assignments demonstrates your willingness to step up and can prove your capabilities to others.
Find mentors or coaches who can offer guidance and support. Experienced mentors can provide advice, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career path more effectively.

In conclusion, executive presence is a vital element of leadership that goes beyond surface-level impressions, encompassing a deeper set of attributes and behaviors that resonate with others. It involves a combination of qualities such as confidence, communication skills, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire trust and respect. These qualities may vary based on the workplace environment, industry, and organizational culture, but they all contribute to how a leader is perceived by their peers and subordinates.

By understanding and actively developing executive presence, you can enhance your effectiveness as a leader and progress in your career. This involves continuous self-assessment, feedback from colleagues, and a commitment to personal growth. Continuously refine your executive presence to succeed as a leader, making a positive impression in every professional setting. Remember, executive presence is not just about how you appear but also about how you convey your vision and values.

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Building and Maintaining Your First Professional Resume

Starting the journey to find your first pro job requires creating your first professional resume. Which sections should you emphasize to attract potential employers, especially if you lack professional experience? After completing your resume, how should you keep it updated as you gain more experience? Let’s walk you through the steps of building and maintaining your first professional resume.

Why Is a Professional Resume Important?

Your resume is often the first impression that potential employers have of you. It serves as a marketing tool for your skills, accomplishments, and experiences. A well-crafted resume can showcase your strengths and make you stand out from other applicants.

Moreover, most companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they even reach the hands of hiring managers. These systems scan resumes for specific keywords and qualifications that match the job description. Therefore, it is crucial to tailor your resume to each job application to increase your chances of getting noticed by the ATS.

Building Your First Professional Resume

Start with a clear and concise objective or summary statement that highlights your career goals and key qualifications.
List your education, including relevant coursework, academic achievements, and honors.
Highlight any internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs that showcase transferable skills for the desired job.
Use action verbs and metrics to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities in previous positions.
Include any technical or language skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
Don’t forget to proofread your resume for spelling and grammatical errors before submitting it.

Remember, as a new graduate or someone entering the workforce for the first time, employers understand that you may not have a ton of work experience. However, by highlighting your relevant skills, education, and experiences, you can still make a strong case for why you are the perfect fit for the job.

Maintaining Your Professional Resume

Keep your resume updated with any new experiences or accomplishments.
Regularly review and update your objective or summary statement to align with your career goals.
Use active language and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Be mindful of the design and layout of your resume, making sure it is easy to read and visually appealing.
Customize your resume for each job application by tailoring it to match the specific requirements and keywords in the job description.
Don’t be afraid to seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as career counselors or mentors, to help improve your resume.

Remember, a professional resume is not a one-time document – it should be constantly evolving and improving as you progress in your career. By maintaining a strong and up-to-date resume, you can increase your chances of landing the job opportunities you desire. So, make sure to regularly review and update your resume even after securing a job.

And don’t forget about the power of networking! Building relationships with professionals in your desired industry or connecting with alumni from your school can open up new opportunities for you. Consider attending career fairs, informational interviews, and networking events to expand your network and learn about potential job openings. A strong resume paired with a strong network can greatly increase your chances of success in the job market.

Leveraging Your Resume for Networking

Use your resume as a tool for networking by sharing it with connections or at networking events.
Be prepared to bring physical copies of your resume to events or interviews.
Utilize online networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, to showcase your resume and connect with potential employers.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to connections and ask for informational interviews or job leads.

By leveraging your resume for networking, you can expand your professional network and potentially uncover hidden job opportunities.

Incorporating Keywords in Your Resume

Research the keywords commonly used in the industry or field you are applying for.
Use these keywords throughout your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections.
Be specific and provide examples of how you have utilized these skills or experiences.
Make sure not to overdo it – include relevant keywords but make sure they flow naturally within your resume.

Incorporating keywords in your resume can increase its chances of showing up in online job searches and grab the attention of hiring managers. Just make sure to use them strategically and not at the expense of clarity and cohesiveness in your resume.

Do eye-catching resumes attract more attention, or is it preferable to maintain simplicity? Should I prepare multiple versions tailored to different audiences?

These are all valid questions to consider when it comes to resume style and format. Ultimately, the most important aspect of your resume is its content – showcasing your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. However, a visually appealing and well-organized resume can help catch the eye of recruiters or hiring managers. It’s also important to tailor your resume for different job opportunities by highlighting specific skills and experiences that align with each job description. This may mean creating multiple versions of your resume to cater to different audiences.

Conclusion

Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so it’s important to make it stand out and showcase your qualifications effectively. Using relevant keywords, being specific and including examples, and carefully considering the style and format of your resume can all contribute to creating a strong and effective document. Remember to constantly update and tailor your resume to each job opportunity and seek feedback from others to ensure its effectiveness. With a well-crafted resume, you can increase your chances of landing that dream job. So, make sure to put in the time and effort it deserves!

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Remaining Adaptable Leads to Success in Business

During a recent interview I was prompted to share my thoughts on strategies for long-term success for leaders, particularly in Technology. Stressing the importance of remaining adaptable and being aware of change, my response explored three crucial focal points.

I observed a shift from authoritative to collaborative, empathetic leadership, mirroring cultural changes in responses to leaders and education’s evolution over 40+ years.
I observed a shift in work styles from strictly task-focused to more empowered and knowledge-driven approaches.
I learned that effectively communicating and presenting ideas is crucial for success.

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”
– Dwight D Eisenhower

I talk a lot about communication skills due to my observation in the early stages of my career that individuals with strong communication abilities often advanced quickly, even if they were lacking in other areas. Eisenhower effectively utilized this skill to inspire people and motivate them to fulfill his objectives.

Those who could deliver engaging presentations were frequently perceived as effective leaders.

However, it later became evident that many of these articulate speakers lacked genuine leadership qualities, particularly in team building and leadership. Therefore, refining your speaking abilities and leveraging your strengths is paramount. Consistent practice over time will enhance your delivery style. However, this alone is insufficient to achieve your desired position.

As a leader, don’t be swayed solely by a person’s speaking prowess.

Look deeper into their skills to ensure they are multidimensional. The world is full of eloquent individuals, but sometimes those who are average speakers possess a more well-rounded background.

Nevertheless, as a professional, honing your speaking skills will ensure you are noticed. It’s simply a fact of human nature. People want to listen to engaging and confident speakers. But if you are going to have a long and rewarding career, watch, learn and adapt. The environment is always changing, and as a leader, you must be ready to evolve with it.

This led me to a crucial conclusion: staying attuned to industry trends and remaining adaptable is vital. The more adaptable you are, the greater your chances of success in business.

The evolution of education has also played a significant role in how leadership styles have shifted over the years. Conventional educational frameworks primarily emphasized a top-down, directive leadership approach, which proved ineffective amidst cultural transitions and shifts in the job market. Consequently, there’s now a call for leaders’ adept at fostering dialogue, nurturing creativity within their teams, and moving beyond mere command-based directives.

In today’s work environment, successful leaders are not just those who possess technical expertise or strong communication skills. They must also be emotionally intelligent, empathetic, and able to connect with their team on a personal level. This requires a deep understanding of human behavior and the ability to adapt one’s leadership style to different individuals and situations.

Adaptability stands as a cornerstone of success in the ever-evolving technology realm.

Given the rapid pace of advancements, staying current and continually upskilling are paramount. In this dynamic landscape, what proved effective yesterday may falter today. As a leader, embracing change and embracing new methodologies and technologies are essential traits, i.e., remaining adaptable.

In conclusion, confidence and effective communication are vital in leadership, but adaptability truly distinguishes successful leaders in today’s dynamic world. By staying attuned to industry trends, continuously learning, and being willing to adjust their leadership style, modern leaders can effectively guide their teams towards success.

Click here for an article by Forbes about outdated leadership styles.

So, it is crucial for current and future leaders to embrace flexibility and adaptability in order to thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and being able to adapt and evolve with the times is key to becoming an effective leader. By staying open-minded and continuously refining our leadership skills, we can foster a more collaborative and innovative workplace that benefits both individuals and organizations as a whole. The future of leadership will continue to evolve, but one thing remains certain – leaders who remain adaptable are poised for success in any era.

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