THIS Leader Podcast

In this episode, I challenge leaders to shift from "accidental learning" to intentional development that accelerates career growth and impact.

Most leaders treat professional development like a luxury, squeezing it between priorities or leaving it to chance. This reactive approach keeps you scattered and at risk of becoming irrelevant as leadership demands evolve.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

The Problem with Accidental Learning: I share the story of a brilliant new director who felt stuck despite being hardworking and respected. When asked about her development plan, she laughed—she was consuming leadership content but had no structured approach. Without intention, we become consumers of development rather than architects of our growth.

Why This Matters

Research from the Center for Creative Leadership shows 75% of careers are derailed not by lack of technical expertise, but by lack of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. The world changes fast—the skills that got you here won't automatically take you where you want to go.

My Five-Strategy Framework for Intentional Development

Strategy 1: Start with Clarity. Write down your current role, then your desired future role in 2-3 years. The gap reveals what skills you need to develop.

Strategy 2: Focus on Core Competencies for Your Level

• Individual contributors: Self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, collaboration
• Leads/supervisors: Add coaching, delegation, feedback skills, and conflict navigation
• Function managers: Add strategic thinking, team culture development, and leading change

Strategy 3: Create a Learning Portfolio. Choose 1-3 skill areas for the year. For each, create a multi-modal approach:

• Something to read or study
• Something to implement
• Someone to learn from
• Some way to get feedback

Strategy 4: Schedule It Like You Mean It. Block 2-4 hours per month for development during peak energy time, not when you're exhausted.

Strategy 5: Make It Social. Find a development buddy, involve your manager, and join learning communities. Growth happens faster with others.

The Payoff:
Leaders who commit to intentional development experience better results with less effort, renewed passion for work, and new opportunities as they become people others want to promote and collaborate with.

 Resources Mentioned:

• Get your Professional Development Planner HERE!
• "The Leadership Challenge" by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner
  

Action Steps:

• Download the Professional Development Planner
• Complete the first two sections: "Where You Are" and "Where You Want to Go"
• Schedule your first development block
• Share your goals with someone

Growth doesn't happen by accident—it happens by design, and you get to be the architect.

To learn more about my services and for additional tools to enhance your leadership impact, visit ClaireLaughlin.com and connect with me on social channels @Claire Laughlin Consulting. 

Until next time, lead the way!