What do you do if your mid-career in HR Consulting needs a leadership boost?

A 360 degree assessment of current set of skills and qualities as a leader is the start point. Philosophy of “what got you here will not get you there” os crucial beginning to develop . Consolidating feedback, gathering insights and moving from “I dont know to I know” areas to enhance skills and and adopt to the new ways of leading is required

I'd stress the importance of self-awareness in leadership development. Conducting a self-assessment allows leaders to critically evaluate their efficacy in key areas like team influence, guidance, strategic thinking, and decision-making. Identifying both strengths and areas for improvement is crucial for targeted personal and professional growth. Incorporating feedback from colleagues and utilizing leadership assessments can provide a well-rounded perspective, laying the foundation for a development plan tailored to enhance specific leadership skills. This process not only strengthens leadership capabilities but also positively impacts the entire team's dynamics and performance.

A gap analysis is often used to assess business performance or identify skill gaps in an organisation. However, you can apply the same method to your own career and professional goals. The first step is to assess your current situation by doing an audit of where you are now. Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle of the page. In the left column, list out your existing strengths, skills, knowledge and experience. Start by doing a review of your technical skills. Include your years of experience in a certain profession, industry or specialist expertise. Write down any formal qualifications, certifications, tools or software and language skills.

1. Search out administration preparing projects or studios custom fitted explicitly for mid-vocation experts in HR counseling. 2. Take on influential positions inside proficient affiliations or systems administration gatherings to acquire insight and perceivability. 3. Seek after high level training, for example, a MBA or chief schooling project to foster key authority abilities. 4. Look for mentorship or instructing from senior pioneers or experienced specialists to acquire bits of knowledge and direction on progressing into positions of authority. 5. Volunteer for administration amazing open doors inside your association, like driving undertakings or cross-practical groups.

I think such a situation definitely happens to everyone, as even without being a Team Lead, it's often necessary to demonstrate leadership qualities - by helping junior colleagues, conducting mentoring sessions, and taking responsibility for projects. The first important step is to thoroughly analyze your soft skills, seek feedback from current colleagues and managers, and based on the information received, develop an action plan. For some, reading a couple of books may be sufficient, while others may need a mentor and several thematic workshops. It always depends on the situation. However, in general, leadership skills need to be regularly honed, even if you already hold a leadership or managerial role.

There are a couple of choices when seeking a mentor. Do you go with a program or find one by yourself, in my experience programs do well, but it can be difficult to build the intimacy with an "assigned mentor" that you'd need to really have the tough conversations and challenge yourself. In your own network, there will be people you admire, start with a shortlist of these people and see if that reveals a common trait, role or experience that you aspire to. With that in mind, then just be as honest as you can, where you want to get to and why you think they could help. In my experience, the hardest part of the mentoring relationship is the first question, the first admission, that you want help.

Find a mentor within or outside your organization who has strong leadership skills in HR consulting. Learn from their experiences and seek guidance on how to improve your own leadership capabilities.

Enhance your communication, interpersonal, and emotional intelligence skills. Effective leadership in HR consulting often relies on building strong relationships, understanding diverse perspectives, and navigating complex situations.

Seek feedback from colleagues, clients, and supervisors on your leadership style and areas for improvement. Regularly reflect on your experiences and identify areas where you can grow as a leader.

Consider enrolling in leadership development programs or courses specifically tailored for HR professionals. These programs often provide valuable insights, tools, and strategies for effective leadership in consulting roles.

Consider enrolling in leadership development programs or courses specifically tailored for HR professionals. These programs often provide valuable insights, tools, and strategies for effective leadership in consulting roles.