What do you do if you want to experience diverse leadership styles and approaches as a young professional?

Experiencing diverse leadership styles and approaches as a young professional can significantly enrich your understanding of management and can shape your leadership philosophy. Here are some strategies to gain exposure - Seek Mentors and Role Models Attend Workshops and Seminars Read Widely Participate in Networking Events Pursue Further Education Join Professional Associations Request for Shadowing Opportunities Travel and Work Internationally Leverage Online Platforms Engage in Community Leadership Seek Feedback and Reflect By proactively seeking diverse leadership experiences and reflecting on the lessons learned from each, you can develop a well-rounded understanding of leadership that will serve you throughout your career.

I've found that one of the most overlooked opportunities for personal growth is seeking out mentorship. My suggestion? Aim to connect with at least two mentors: one from within your organization and another from outside. It's beneficial to select mentors who offer perspectives different from your own. To ensure the relationship is productive and goal-oriented, establish clear expectations and outcomes from the start.

As a young professional eager to experience diverse leadership styles: Seek out mentors and role models from diverse backgrounds. Explore cross-functional opportunities to interact with diverse colleagues. Join professional organizations committed to diversity. Take on leadership roles in diverse settings. Seek feedback and reflect on my own leadership style for continuous growth.

To immerse yourself in diverse leadership styles, actively seek mentors from various backgrounds and industries. Mentors offer invaluable insights from their experiences, tailored advice to navigate your career, and diverse perspectives to broaden your understanding of leadership. As Oprah Winfrey once said, "A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself." This relationship is akin to a gardener nurturing a plant, where the mentor's wisdom helps the young professional grow robustly. The mentor-mentee dynamic is a crucial part of the Situational Leadership Model, which suggests effective leaders adapt their style to the development level of the person they are leading. "Mentoring 101" by John C. Maxwell is a must-read.

Seek opportunities to work with mentors or in cross-functional teams where you can learn from leaders with different styles and approaches. Also , consider volunteering for projects or initiatives outside your direct role to gain exposure to diverse leadership perspectives.

Expanding your network exposes you to various leadership approaches, providing insights into different sectors' challenges and solutions. Porter Gale’s phrase, "Your network is your net worth," emphasizes networking's value in discovering leadership diversity, like bridges connecting distant lands of knowledge. This process is underpinned by the Social Learning Theory, which posits that we learn through observing others. With 85% of positions filled via networking, its significance is undeniable. For those looking to enhance their networking skills, "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi is an invaluable guide.

Networking relationships often involve mentorship and peer feedback. Receiving input from others on your leadership style and approach can help you identify areas for growth and consider alternative strategies networking exposes you to diverse leadership approaches by connecting you with professionals from different backgrounds, providing opportunities to learn from leaders, access resources, and receive feedback on your own leadership journey.

I have seen significant personal and professional growth in volunteering to lead in roles which were not part of my core job. Especially early in your career, seeking diversity of experience and texture in your career is a way of keeping the learning curve steep. Volunteering also shows your willingness to go above and beyond the minimum asked, which from a talent perspective shows a learning agility which is one of the most sought after capabilities in leaders in any organisation. The opportunity to take experience from one context and apply them to another is very valuable and enriching.

In my experience, the early years of a career resemble attending a paid college, particularly in my first two organizations. These initial experiences, guided by managers and leaders, laid the foundation for my professional growth. Despite occasional doubts about their feedback, I realized its significance in shaping me into the person I am today. Seeking out opportunities, such as challenging projects and participating in organizational events, and seeking guidance from experienced leaders have fueled my development. Managing time and energy effectively, nurturing personal interests like travelling, hiking or learning additional skills, and building meaningful connections have also been crucial elements of my journey.

Bo often requires interacting with a variety of stakeholders, including team members, beneficiaries, donors, and community members. Developing strong interpersonal skills through volunteering enhances your ability to lead effectively in diverse settingAdapt involve navigating dynamic and unpredictable environments. Leading in these situations requires agility and adaptability, as well as the ability to inspire and motivate others in the face of uncertainties Overall, volunteering exposes you to diverse leadership approaches by providing opportunities to work with diverse teams, solve problems in varied contexts, learn from experienced leaders, develop interpersonal skills, and adapt to different context

Create opportunities to work across cultures if there are no international assignments available. I had the great fortune to work on projects in over 60 countries through my career. Experiencing different work cultures is an incredible way to become a highly effective leader. The ways of thinking, response to adversity, problem solving and connection to a team can vary significantly between cultures. Volunteer for an international project or join a community or forum to learn the nuances in approach that will set you apart. Focus on body language, note what is said in meetings or in email vs what is actually done, understand popular words, terms and phrases. Always treat people with respect. This will make you more effective leader.

Reflection and journaling are amazing self-development tools that can help you get in touch with your own thought patterns. They can also help in building a strong alignment between your thoughts, emotions, and actions, which helps you stay authentic and build personal credibility.

To immerse yourself in diverse leadership styles, pursue an early-career rotational program. These programs offer a unique chance to experience varied leadership approaches and develop your adaptability across different roles and teams. It's a strategic move to expand your understanding of leadership dynamics and refine your approach to challenges, setting a solid foundation for your career growth.

Embracing feedback, balancing humility and confidence, and developing emotional intelligence are key for thriving in diverse leadership scenarios. Leadership mirrors the adaptive growth of a tree through seasons, requiring flexibility, resilience, and the ability to rejuvenate. Adaptive Leadership emphasizes navigating complexity with agility, although specific impact statistics are less defined. Leaders who adapt effectively are recognized for their success in dynamic environments. "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman is recommended for enhancing the emotional skills crucial for diverse leadership contexts.

To experience diverse leadership styles and approaches as a young professional, seek opportunities to work with a variety of mentors, supervisors, and colleagues from different backgrounds and industries. Volunteer for cross-functional projects, join professional networks or organizations, and attend workshops or seminars where you can interact with leaders from diverse fields. Additionally, consider seeking mentorship from individuals who possess leadership styles different from your own to broaden your perspective and learn new approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.