How to Make Your Current Role Your Next Development Opportunity

One thing I’ve learned from conversations with candidates and senior leaders is that career development does not always mean a new job or a new place.

In fact, some of the strongest leaders I meet are people who have maximised the opportunities of the role they are already in. They have looked beyond their job description and got involved in experiences they were missing, deliberately building the skills and experience they need to prepare for their next move.

A senior leader recently made a point that really stuck with me. We were talking about developing the next generation of leaders, and they spoke about the importance of “upskilling people” and encouraging more people to see themselves operating at that next level. For me, a big part of that is finding opportunities to experience parts of the role you might one day want, before you actually make the step up.

Start by being clear about where you want to go next and what that role will require of you. Then ask yourself, what am I known for now, and what else do I need to become known for to take that next step?

Work backwards from where you want to be

When I speak to people looking to progress into senior leadership, technical expertise is rarely the issue. The step up is about showing broader organisational leadership, financial and political awareness, leading change, developing strong partnerships and being able to lead across the whole system, not just within your own area of expertise.

I recently advised a candidate that progressing wasn’t about gaining more of the same experience. It was about broadening their profile beyond children’s social care commissioning and demonstrating that they could operate across adults and wider council commissioning too.

Put your hand up

Once you know where the gaps are, actively look for opportunities to close them. Volunteer for cross-council work, get involved in projects outside your specialism and build relationships across different services. Look outside your organisation too, build your network and get involved in relevant professional and sector groups. Sometimes you have to create the exposure you need for your next role rather than waiting for it to come to you.

That could mean stepping outside your comfort zone, taking on a corporate project, working across another service or asking to contribute to something that isn't naturally part of your day job.

The key is to start building that experience in the role you have now, by taking on elements of the role you aspire to.

Don't just collect responsibilities, collect experiences

There is a difference between being busier and developing.

Look for experiences that give you greater breadth, expose you to different people and make you uncomfortable occasionally. Sit in on a senior meeting. Find a mentor. Take responsibility for a problem you have not faced before. Work with people outside your area of expertise.

Most importantly, keep track of the difference you make. Building the experience is one thing; being able to evidence your impact when the next opportunity comes is just as important.

When we work with clients to identify their next leaders, hiring managers want to understand the impact candidates have had on people, communities and their organisation. What changed because of you matters far more than a list of roles and responsibilities.

So, think about the challenge, what you personally did, who you brought with you and what changed as a result.

This is also where a conversation with an experienced recruitment partner can help. We can help candidates understand what organisations are looking for at the next level, identify where they may need to broaden their experience and recognise how to demonstrate the impact they have already made.

Your current role can offer more opportunities to develop than you might think. By being proactive about the experience you gain and the challenges you take on, you can start building the foundations for your next career move.