What do you do if you want to cultivate a diverse leadership style through temporary and contract work?

Diving into various roles across different industries can be like a fast-track course in leadership diversity. Each position will challenge you in unique ways, exposing you to new problems, team dynamics, and organizational cultures. Approach each role with an open mind and a commitment to learning. Be proactive in seeking feedback and reflect regularly on your experiences to identify what leadership approaches worked and which ones didn't. Also, network extensively within these roles. The connections and insights gained from a broad range of professionals can significantly enrich your leadership style. Diversity in experience brings depth to your leadership abilities, making you adaptable and resilient.

As a PM, it is important not to think about learning "skill sets", but to realize that "Learning" itself is a skill. PMs are at their most valuable to a project when they are continuously learning from their teams and SMEs, leading by example to encourage the team to do the same. Ask anyone in full time education, consistent learning might sound easy to some but it can actually be a draining process if not accompanied by a good support system and positive outlook on the process. We can always be learning from every project, every issue, every colleague and every client. Stay ready to learn and become comfortable with constant change, that way it becomes a weapon in your arsenal, arming you for those more difficult days in the arena.

In my early Dutch career as a consultant, I specialized in delivering software solutions every six to eight months to various clients. This role required me to manage fluid project situations—where requirements might change suddenly, early successes with MVPs could be compromised due to looming deadlines, and well-laid plans had to make way for ad hoc modifications. These roles provided opportunities for invaluable feedback. A crucial lesson was the importance of regular feedback, particularly when leading time-bound deliverable projects. Effective feedback is data-driven and ensures that not only the giver but also the recipient fully understands the message. Recognizing this two-way process has been essential for my leadership growth.

It is crucial to engage actively in every new temporary or contract environment. Start by observing the organizational culture and leadership styles you encounter. For instance, if a leader effectively uses a particular conflict resolution technique, consider how you might adapt that to your own style. Engage in cross-functional collaboration to understand various aspects of the business, which will equip you with the skills to lead multidisciplinary teams. Reflect on each experience to internalize lessons learned and track your development over time. Network actively, not just for career opportunities but to exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of others, such as discussing new leadership strategies or industry changes.

Building a strong network is essential for gaining support, opportunities, and varied perspectives that enhance leadership skills. For example, attending industry-specific conferences and networking events enhances your opportunities to meet peers, leaders, and influencers. For instance, attending the CES tech conference helped me connect with innovators and thought leaders in the technology sector. Further, actively using LinkedIn to share content, interact with posts, and join relevant groups boosts visibility. Similarly, for project managers, joining the PMI Institute could be beneficial. Additionally, volunteering and participating in mentorship programs foster 1-on-1 relationships with peers, providing significant growth opportunities.

Taking on a new team every 6, 12, or 18 months means that you have to learn, adapt, and reconfigure quickly. This can provide you with a real skill in these areas, but it is much more powerful with regular reflection. Mistakes will be made, you won't win everyone over... When I finish a contract I really reflect on the period and how I handled the relationships with my team, and who I could have supported better. When contracting you start with a fresh slate each time, and while the learning curve is steeper, the opportunity to make a fresh impact is highly rewarding.

Adaptability refers to a leader's capacity to change their thoughts, behaviors, and actions to suit new situations, challenges, or environments. Flexibility is similar but focuses more on the willingness and ability to adjust your methods and expectations. For each new leadership assignment, consider practicing situational awareness (the ability to assess the environment and read the room), developing plans that are adjustable and allow for multiple paths to success, and practicing decision-making under uncertainty (e.g., with incomplete information and under time constraints). Being a versatile leader prepares you to handle a broader range of challenges across your career.