A Two-Step Playbook to Landing a Leadership Job
As a seasoned recruiter, I've identified two core characteristics vital for effective leadership. Ensuring these traits shine through during the interview process or in your current role is key to your ascent into a leadership position. These traits are simplification and influence, and they work best when used in tandem.
Simplification: Your Leadership Superpower
Think about your first leadership gig. Maybe you're leading a team of interns, fresh and eager but green as spring grass. You've earned your stripes with your know-how, but how do you pass that wisdom on to someone who's not a subject matter expert? It's like trying to explain your job to a stranger on the street - not easy, but oh-so-rewarding when you get it right.
So, how do you become the sensei of simplification? Start with the folks who care about you but might not be clued into what you do. Your friends, your family. It's a safe space, no bridges burned here!
Discovery Questions: Kick things off with some discovery questions. Make them proper relatable. Instead of launching into a monologue, ask something like, "Ever dabbled in recruitment yourself?" It's engaging and avoids any hint of mansplaining.
Make It Relatable: Use experiences everyone can connect with. For instance, "You know how you sometimes can't find everything at Farmboy and end up at FreshCo? That's like my job. Started recruiting in Toronto, had to expand to Brazil for more options, and guess what? Cheaper too!"
Jargon-Free Zone: Avoid industry jargon that might confuse your audience. For instance, if you say 'MVP' and someone thinks 'Tom Brady' instead of 'Minimum Viable Product', you've lost them. Keep it simple to keep everyone on the same page.
As you master the art of simplification, remember that your ultimate goal is not just to make things easier to understand, but to empower those you lead. In the words of Bill Gates, 'As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.' This encapsulates the essence of simplification in leadership – it's about building a foundation where others can stand confidently and independently.
Influence: Turning Understanding into Engagement
Once you've nailed simplification, it's time to up the ante with influence. How do you take that clarity and spark genuine interest?
Passion is Contagious: If you're not jazzed about what you're saying, why should anyone else be? You don't need to be all grins and giggles, but a bit of passion goes a long way.
Give Them the Why: People are curious. They want to know the why behind the what. If you can give them a solid reason, you're golden.
How do you know you've hit the mark? They'll come back with questions, show interest in your projects, maybe even ask for updates. That's when you know you've got them.
Leadership Beyond the Basics
So, we've talked about leading interns. But here's the kicker: these skills aren't just for newbies. They're your bread and butter for acing job interviews, winning over peers and stakeholders, impressing customers, and even wooing investors.
Remember, leadership isn't just a title. It's about making the complex simple and turning passive listeners into active participants. Nail these, and you're not just landing a leadership role; you're acing it. “I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.” - Ginni Rometty
Cheers,
Joseph