What do you do if you're a leader feeling disengaged and unmotivated in your late career?

Reevaluate your career goals and aspirations, and set new objectives that excite and inspire you. Look for opportunities to stretch yourself and take on new challenges in your role. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to capable team members to free up your time and energy for more strategic and fulfilling work. Cultivate strong relationships with your colleagues, mentors, and peers to create a supportive and collaborative work environment. Seek out opportunities for networking, mentorship, and camaraderie to foster a sense of connection. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments and milestones. Recognize and appreciate your contributions and the contributions of your team members, and celebrate the progress you've made.

Take a strengths assessment - VIA Strengths or Gallup. Reflect on your career when have you felt most connected and alive in your career. What strengths were engaged, reevaluate is it time for a new chapter - or do you need a holiday!

If you're a leader feeling disconnected and lacking drive in your later career, it's important to dig deep and rediscover what truly inspires you. Take a moment to reflect on the meaningful moments and achievements in your career journey so far. Consider exploring new opportunities or setting fresh goals that reignite your passion and sense of purpose. Don't hesitate to reach out to trusted mentors, peers, or even close friends for support and advice as you navigate this phase of your career journey. Remember, finding fulfillment and motivation in your work is never too late.

Allocate some time for reflection. What first attracted you to this line of work? Do you still find energy in any elements of your role? Finding the source of your disengagement may be aided by career coaching or journaling. To understand what motivates you, think back on your professional development, achievements, and goals. #selfawareness

As a Digital & Payments Business/Risk Executive, I start by identifying the elements I need to feel engaged, which are usually linked to my top values. Depending on the situation I could rekindle those values in my current job, seek them outside of work, or a combination of both scenarios. If I discover that I am burn out or close to be, taking time off and/or engaging with a professional (therapist, coach, spiritual leader, etc.) are the best immediate steps. We all need to recharge and recover especially if we have been working non-stop for a while.

Disinterest grows from stagnation. Take on exciting new tasks or projects that force you to step outside of your comfort zone. Look for chances to further your education or serve as a mentor to more junior staff members. Seek out chances to use your experience in fresh ways to rekindle your enthusiasm. #eternallearning

It’s easy to fall into a routine, especially as a seasoned leader. Seek out new challenges or projects that excite you. Perhaps there’s a strategic initiative you’ve always wanted to explore or a skill you’d like to develop further. Embrace novelty—it can invigorate your mindset.

One unique way to seek challenges and reignite your motivation is through reverse mentoring. Partner with younger colleagues or individuals from different backgrounds to exchange knowledge and perspectives. Embrace the opportunity to learn from their fresh insights, technological expertise, and diverse experiences. By stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing reverse mentoring, you not only gain valuable new skills but also foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within your team. This dynamic exchange of knowledge revitalizes your leadership approach and reignites your passion for tackling new challenges head-on.

Reevaluate your goals. Are they still aligned with your personal and professional aspirations? Adjust them if needed. Setting meaningful objectives can provide a sense of purpose and direction, even in the later stages of your career.

Shift your focus from traditional goal setting to legacy building. Reflect on the impact you want to leave behind in your role and industry. Identify meaningful projects, initiatives, or mentorship opportunities that align with your values and aspirations. By embracing legacy building, you not only create a lasting impact but also find renewed purpose and fulfillment in your leadership journey. Consider how you can leverage your skills, experience, and network to leave a positive mark on your organization, community, or profession. Embracing legacy building ensures that your remaining time in your role is purposeful and impactful, leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.

Make a vision board outlining your objectives for this next chapter in your career and review your goals. If a lateral transfer inside the organisation better fits your current goals, think about taking it. For the next stage of your career, set relevant goals that are consistent with your beliefs and goals. Your goals can have changed over time. #goalsetting

When you're in a late-career slump, connecting with peers and colleagues is key. Seek networking, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. Engaging with others brings fresh insights and sparks passion. Building meaningful relationships offers support and encouragement during tough times.

Connect with other leaders, both within and outside your organization. Share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from each other. Sometimes, engaging in candid conversations with peers can provide fresh perspectives and rekindle motivation. Remember, it’s normal to feel disengaged at times, but proactively taking steps to re-engage can make a significant difference. Lead from within, and show others what true engagement feels like. ??

Take proactive steps to foster peer engagement by organizing regular peer support sessions. Gather a small group of fellow leaders facing similar late-career thoughts and challenges. Create a safe and supportive space where participants can openly share experiences, exchange advice, and provide mutual support. Rotate facilitation responsibilities to ensure equal participation and diverse perspectives. By hosting peer support sessions, you not only combat feelings of isolation but also cultivate a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among peers. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and gaining fresh insights to navigate late-career transitions with resilience and optimism.

Sometimes you need to step away, to reflect and recharge. Speak with your employer about taking a sabbatical. Whether paid (ideally) or unpaid, it helps to get away. Bonus: Your team will better-appreciate the work you're doing, if they have to do it without you. When you return, pay attention to what you do and don't like. Do you need to change roles? Do you need to change companies? Do you want to shift from leadership back to an individual contributor role? It's hard to look at your situation objectively without stepping away from the situation. Make time, so you can finish strong in this late-career chapter.

Leadership transcends the day-to-day operations and focuses on the lasting impression you are having with your team. If you are feeling like you are not making a difference you may be focusing too much on yourself. Look outwards on the faces of your team members and place your energy into being a mentor and coach to inspire your teams to reach new heights. My greatest accomplishments have nothing to do with metrics rather the people who I have helped to develop along my journey. #leadership

Reflect on what's causing your disengagement and reconnect with your core values. Reinvigorate your passion by seeking new challenges within your role or looking for inspiration from external sources. Consider a shift within the organization if needed, or prioritize a healthy work-life balance. Find purpose beyond work through mentorship, volunteering, or personal pursuits. Remember, a little self-reflection and exploration can reignite your passion and guide you towards a fulfilling latter stage of your leadership career.

Speaking openly with your management could result in a role that is revitalised or open doors to a more satisfying position inside the organisation. Recall that if looking into fresh prospects outside of your present organisation fits with your reevaluated objectives, it's acceptable to do so. Investigate options with workshops, classes, or certifications. If there are any underlying issues that are causing your disengagement, think about getting coaching or counselling. Never forget that you may always reinvent yourself to find fresh meaning and fulfilment in your work.

Experiencing disengagement and reduced motivation may point to burnout, especially for business owners who find it hard to take a break. It underscores the importance of relying on trusted team members and embracing technology which could allow you to at least cut back a bit as vital steps for ensuring long-term success and facilitating disconnection.