We read books, take classes, participate in seminars, and keep up with the latest info on social media to gain knowledge and increase our understanding of a topic. But that’s the easy part – it’s putting all this knowledge into practice that challenges many people.
Since practice makes perfect, I’m going to share three easy ways to put all your knowledge into practice – and gain the real-life experience that counts.
Fake It…Till You Make It
How many times have you heard that phrase? HBR author Herminia Ibarra says that this effective process often breaks down as people gain experience. When we become more assured of our abilities, it feels fake, almost like we’re a “fraud” of some sort, to mimic others.
But we run the risk of sticking with what’s natural for us, never stepping outside of our comfort zone. “And that’s precisely what gets us in trouble as we hit career transitions that call for new and different ways of leading,” explains Ibarra.
New college grads just stepping into the workforce often emulate bosses or other colleagues they look up to, until they eventually find themselves growing into the role. No matter where you are in life, you can “fake it till you make it” – using your knowledge to guide you as you gain real-world experience.
Incorporate Your Knowledge
Share your knowledge by spreading the word to others – family, friends, or colleagues. This accomplishes two things: you get to share your understanding with others, possibility introducing them to a new concept or topic. And, by talking about it, you build confidence about what you’ve learned and allow it to become more ingrained in your mind.
Take action by incorporating your knowledge into your life. Implement a concept you’ve learned into your daily life. Put something new into practice at work. Make a new routine at home. Don’t be afraid to ask others for motivation to help you.
Develop Your Confidence
Ibarra tells the story of Clara, an HR specialist who was promoted to Director of Operations. This meant she would now be managing people who were once her superiors. And, she was asked to oversee functions, like finance, in which she had no proficiency.
Of course, Clara understood what was involved in being a good manager. But she said managing areas without actually understanding the intricacies of the work made her feel like a “fraud”.
Clara began to emulate people she saw as effective leaders; for instance, when she met with the finance manager, she greeted her cordially in a similar fashion she’d observed her own boss do in the past. She started trying out a blunt, direct way of speaking she’d noticed other directors using.
Even though “playing the role” was exhausting, sometimes embarrassing and even depressing, Clara kept on. Then something interesting happened: after about a year, she says, she realized she had grown into the role: “As I began to gain confidence in my own ability to do this job, I also began to fall into a leadership voice that felt more like my own and less like an imitation of my former bosses.”
Knowledge is power, and gaining more understanding about any topic is an excellent way to build your skillset. But if you don’t put this knowledge into practice, you’ll never gain the real-world experience you need to soar to new heights. Make it a point today to take action with your knowledge. After all, practice makes perfect.
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Images courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
Colleen Slaughter, Proud Executive Coach to the UN World Food Program, the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
As an Executive Coach for Women in Leadership and Transformational Facilitator, my intention is to help leaders in positions of high influence to understand their worth at a profound level.
Supporting women leaders to truly thrive and step into their greatness, while succeeding in male-dominated industries and spaces is my native genius.
My technique and approach show you how to achieve incredible career success without compromising any part of who you are and what makes you magnificent.