Are you taking this bold approach to developing talent?
I was once given several stretch assignments as part of an emerging leaders program early in my career at Bombardier. I was tasked to lead a committee of airline delegates to elevate the brand and reputation of one of their products. A particularly challenging milestone that I was accountable for, was presenting to a boardroom of airline presidents about the campaign outreach initiatives I was leading and the progress the team made.
I remember this experience as both daunting and exhilarating. The weight of responsibility was immense, and the pressure to perform was intense; I felt the pull of excitement and trepidation. Presenting to such a distinguished audience felt like navigating uncharted waters. It pushed me beyond my growth edge, forcing me to confront insecurities and uncertainties head-on. I learned that my voice and leadership could command the attention of aerospace industry giants; which is not how I viewed myself at the time! It was precisely this challenge that fueled my personal growth and professional development.
The opportunity not only tested my capabilities but also opened doors to unforeseen possibilities. It allowed me to cultivate essential leadership skills, including effective communication, strategic thinking, and resilience in the face of adversity. As young talent, it underscored the significance of diversity of thought and perspectives in problem-solving. Collaborating with a diverse team of airline delegates enriched our discussions and enabled us to devise simple and impactful solutions.
In hindsight, the stretch assignment was not just about achieving a specific outcome; it was about embracing challenges, seizing opportunities, and realizing the boundless potential within myself. It taught me the invaluable lesson that true growth lies in embracing discomfort and pushing beyond perceived limits. It's an experience that continues to shape my approach to leadership and problem-solving, reminding me of the transformative power of self-belief, adversity, and the limitless possibilities that emerge when we dare to dream big and push beyond our boundaries.
Four ways to accelerate development and inclusion for diverse talent:
Remove barriers: Put a focus on skills, talent, and contribution and actively seek out what can get in the way of people bringing the best of those talents to the business. When barriers are eliminated, it creates a level playing field where everyone succeeds on merit by leveraging their unique gifts, fostering an environment of fairness and equity.
Create opportunities to thrive: Through exposure and stretch opportunities, we create situations where talent can contribute in unexpected ways in the organization, develop, and build credibility. By actively seeking out and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, organizations not only tap into a broader talent pool but also enrich their perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. This diversity of thought leads to more innovative solutions and better outcomes for the organization as a whole.
Embrace diversity in decision-making: This ensures that a variety of viewpoints are encouraged, sought-out, and considered when making important choices within an organization. When decision-making processes incorporate input from individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, they become more strategic and reflective of the needs and interests of a broader range of stakeholders.
Mentorship and Sponsorship: These play a critical role in supporting diverse talent as they navigate their careers. Having mentors who provide guidance, support, and opportunities for growth can be transformative, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and access networks that might otherwise be inaccessible. Having sponsors and champions who actively open doors and put a spotlight on someone’s talent that enhances credibility and trust to create tangible impacts for the organization.
Stretch assignments, coupled with sponsorship initiatives offer a powerful mechanism for inspiring inclusion of diverse talent in a wide variety of homogeneous industries like aerospace. By providing diverse talent and emerging leaders with high-visibility opportunities and support, organizations can cultivate a culture where everyone has the chance to excel and contribute to meaningful change. As we continue to strive for progress, initiatives like these pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. Inclusion is future-proof and a strategic imperative that yields results of outsized value for organizations and communities alike. Taking a leap and trusting yourself and others is a key step to unlocking diverse perspectives and impactful solutions. How will you sponsor and advance talent in your organization, and bear the fruits of stretch assignments?