“They will grow into it” can be true. It still leaves an important question unanswered: what support will help them grow?
A strong department head stepping into an Executive Director role encounters a different scope of responsibility. Familiar strengths remain valuable, but the work may now include financial tradeoffs, broader accountability and relationships that require a different kind of judgment. Being excellent in the current role does not remove the need for preparation.
If you are seeking advancement, name the situations you have not yet had an opportunity to handle. Perhaps you can explain your department budget but have not presented a community-wide recommendation. Perhaps you manage your team well but avoid disagreement with a regional partner.
Choose one appropriate experience to pursue before the title changes. Ask to observe a review meeting, prepare a recommendation with your supervisor, or lead a defined project with agreed authority. Be clear about what you want to learn and how feedback will be provided. Development should not depend on accepting an indefinite second job without recognition.
If you sponsor someone’s advancement, ask what could make the transition difficult and what support you are prepared to provide. A named person, a regular check-in and clear expectations offer more than a general promise that the door is always open.
Put it into practice: finish this sentence: “Before I take the next role, I want experience with…” Bring that answer to your supervisor or a coaching conversation. The aim is to make a deliberate transition with a clearer understanding of both your strengths and the questions you still need to ask.
Share your perspective
What part of your next role would you most like to practice before taking it on? I would like to hear your experience—even if you see it differently.
Email Douglas your thoughts at douglas@thriveon365.com. No need to book a call to share a thought. Please leave out identifying resident, employee or confidential company information.
Douglas Blake | Executive Director & Coach · Explore coaching with Thrive On 365
