Making What’s Old, New Again: Trusting Your Experience to Help Lead Through What Comes Next

As the calendar gets ready to turn the page on another year, I find myself both reflecting on the past and anticipating the future. As leaders, we are called upon to do the same as we gain confidence and ability through our experiences and anxiously anticipate new challenges we haven’t encountered before.

Especially today, leaders often find themselves juggling the need to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies while also managing the changing expectations of their workforce. The pressure to “keep up” can sometimes make us forget about the one thing that’s often overlooked – your experience. But what if the secret to success is actually blending what’s worked in the past with the new?

Reflecting on your past - your wins, your mistakes, and the lessons you’ve learned - can give you the confidence and perspective you need to face new challenges. The strategies that helped you succeed in the past still hold value today, even if the world around you has changed.

Of course, staying current with the latest technologies and understanding what today’s workforce expects is crucial. But the most effective leaders don’t just throw out what worked before in favor of the newest trends. They find ways to blend the old with the new - taking what’s always worked and mixing it with the tools and technologies that are shaping the future.

For those who are new to leadership and may not have years of experience to draw on, it’s important to remember that leadership doesn’t have to come solely from your personal history. There’s a wealth of experience around you. Tap into it! Seeking guidance from mentors, coaches, and other experienced leaders is a great way to get advice and gain new perspectives. Surrounding yourself with a strong support network helps you navigate challenges more effectively and builds your confidence. A mentor can offer valuable insights, while a coach can help you refine your leadership skills and decision-making.

Your experience - no matter how much or how little - matters. Even if you’re still building your leadership journey, reflecting on your strengths and successes, and learning from those around you, will give you the confidence and clarity to lead with purpose. It’s all about combining what you know with what others can offer and using both to tackle the challenges in front of you.

At the end of the day, "making what’s old, new again" is about mixing timeless wisdom with new ideas. As a leader, your experience - whether it’s your own or someone else’s - becomes a strength that, when paired with fresh trends and technologies, can help you achieve even greater success.

Happy New Year Leaders!

Here’s to a new year filled with well-earned confidence and bold curiosity…