After completing a leadership development program, you may feel inspired to transform yourself, your team, and your organization. But sustaining momentum can be challenging when you’re back at work. Here are some strategies to help you apply what you’ve learned on the job.
 
Anticipate reactions. Prepare concise, 60-second pitches tailored to different stakeholders. Highlight key takeaways, their strategic implications, and how they might shape your future actions. This engages your audience and signals potential changes.
 
Recognize others’ contributions. Gratitude fosters goodwill and teamwork, so acknowledge the efforts of those who supported your absence. Explore how your team developed during your time away and align their goals with the new changes. 
 
Embrace the opportunity. Don’t let skepticism from others deter you. Embrace your growth and communicate your dedication to long-term personal and team development. Your enthusiasm will inspire others.
  
Communicate your intentions. Be transparent about your change ideas and the challenges ahead. Involving your team in the transformation process builds shared understanding and makes for a smoother transition.
 
Pace yourself. Prioritize critical changes and be courageous, but introduce any changes gradually to allow people to adapt. This will ensure better acceptance and less resistance.
This tip is adapted from “You’re Back from Your Leadership Development Program. Now What?,” by Brenda Steinberg and Michael D. Watkins
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