Experience vs. Experiences: Why Varied Experiences Matter More Than Time for Effective Leadership
I have found that in certain leadership circles, the concepts of “experience” and “experiences” are often confused or used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings and implications for our growth and effectiveness. For leaders, focusing on the depth and variety of our experiences is far more beneficial than merely counting the number of years we’ve been in a position.
Differentiating Experience from Experiences
Experience typically refers to the total amount of time spent in a specific role or field. For instance, having a decade of managerial experience indicates ten years of time in that position. However, this duration doesn’t necessarily reflect the range or diversity of situations encountered.
Experiences, however, encompass the varied situations and challenges faced over time. This includes different roles undertaken, teams led, obstacles overcome, and lessons learned. It’s not merely about how long we’ve been active but about the breadth and depth of the scenarios we’ve navigated.
Why Varied Experiences Outweigh Time Alone
- Breadth of Knowledge:
- Experience: Simply accumulating time in one role or position might limit exposure to different facets of leadership. If our role remains static or we stay within a narrow scope, our knowledge may become restricted.
- Experiences: Engaging in a variety of experiences—such as leading diverse teams, managing different projects, and working in various organizational cultures—expands our understanding. This comprehensive knowledge allows us to approach problems from multiple perspectives and develop innovative solutions.
- Adaptability and Growth:
- Experience: Longevity in a position might sometimes lead to stagnation. Performing the same tasks in the same manner year after year can limit growth.
- Experiences: Encountering new challenges and expanding our comfort zones foster adaptability. Leaders who actively seek and embrace diverse experiences are better prepared to handle unexpected situations and drive change effectively.
- Skill Development:
- Experience: This is one of the biggest ones I mention to my clients, simply spending time in a role does not guarantee skill development. Skills improve through practice, feedback, and reflection.
- Experiences: A broad range of experiences encourages the development and refinement of the more extensive set of skills. Experiences provide opportunities to learn and grow, enhancing our leadership capabilities.
- Perspective and Empathy:
- Experience: Years spent in a single role might provide a limited perspective that remains unchallenged if not actively expanded.
- Experiences: Exposure to diverse experiences helps us understand different viewpoints and contexts. This variety fosters empathy and improves our ability to connect with and lead diverse teams.
- Innovation and Creativity:
- Experience: A narrow focus can sometimes result in a fixed mindset, where reliance on established methods prevails.
- Experiences: Engaging in a range of experiences promotes creative thinking and innovation. Facing different challenges and environments stimulates new approaches and solutions.
Cultivating Valuable Experiences
To ensure our experiences are enriching and beneficial, here are a few things to consider…
- Seek Diverse Opportunities: Look for projects or roles that challenge us in new ways. This could mean volunteering for cross-functional teams or exploring different industries.
- Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on our experiences. What lessons have been learned? How can these lessons be applied moving forward?
- Pursue Continuous Learning: Invest in learning opportunities such as courses, workshops, and mentorship to continually expand our knowledge and skills.
- Embrace Change: Be open to change and new experiences. Expanding our comfort zones can lead to significant growth and development.
- Relabel Failure: Instead of seeing things as a failure, label things as experiences so we know we are growing and expanding in ways others might not be.
All I wanted to share in this article is the idea that, in leadership, the quality and diversity of our experiences often outweigh the sheer quantity of time spent in a role. By focusing on cultivating a variety of experiences, we position ourselves to be more effective, adaptable, and innovative leaders. It’s not simply about how long we’ve been in the game, but how well we’ve played it, shoot, and how many plays we have been a part of (are we on the field or on the sidelines?). So, let’s seek out new challenges, embrace diverse experiences, and continuously strive to grow and evolve as leaders. Our leadership journey will be all the more impactful for it.
