In leadership, we don’t always notice when a shift happens. We work hard, improve, and grow, but often fail to recognize the breakthroughs until we look back. Executive leadership training programs emphasize the importance of reflection, but it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come until we take a moment to assess our progress.

I remember working with a coach earlier in my career to prepare for my first budget presentation to the executive team. Every part of the presentation was rehearsed—from my word choice to where I stood in the room, to how I would handle questions. I was new to the process and very stressed. But as I look back now, I realize that over time, the very things that once made me anxious became second nature.

That’s how leadership development works. You plan, struggle, and progress, but don’t always notice the growth. It’s important to recognize how far you’ve come because it helps fuel your momentum for future success.

Career Growth: The Power of Reflection I remember my friend Dorothy telling me that I would experience quantum leaps in my career and that there would only be moments of clarity when I could recognize them. She was right. And when I work with younger executives, I can see their passion for wanting to learn everything as quickly as possible.

It takes a combination of coaching, learning, and executive leadership experiences to create consistent growth. There is no shortcut to success, no executive leadership workshop that can simulate the true challenges you face. The struggle is essential, and looking back at how you overcame those struggles gives you the context to appreciate your development.

Finding Catalysts for Quantum Leaps: When I think back to my first job, I can clearly see the shifts that have occurred since then. My first job out of college was at a local television station. I did everything from running a camera to producing news segments, and even on-air talent. It was a small operation, so I had the opportunity to grow quickly. Even back then, I had a passion for people and enjoyed being on camera while juggling multiple responsibilities.

Gallup's research shows that focusing on areas of raw talent leads to excellence. In executive leadership coaching, we learn that focusing on what we’re naturally good at helps us hone those skills toward mastery. Looking back, I realize that the things I loved about that job are still the things that drive me today.

Ask yourself:

• What drew me to my first role?
• What did I enjoy most about it?
• What did I take away from that experience?

For me, it was learning how to be a team player and support my community through thoughtful coverage. I didn’t know at the time how much I would carry those lessons with me into the future.

Uncomfortable Experiences Lead to Growth: Some of the most uncomfortable experiences in my career have led to the most significant growth. After my first job, I suddenly found myself managing a team of 30+ entry-level employees. I felt confident at first because I was “the boss,” but my direct supervisor had exacting standards. She required that everyone be on time to the minute, and I had to sit at the door at 7:30 a.m. to “have a talk with” anyone who was late.

After months of this, I confided in a friend that I hated managing people. His response? “It shows.”

That comment was a turning point for me. I realized that managing people requires an investment of time and energy. It’s a two-way street where the manager needs to learn how to motivate and coach effectively. It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I learned to take the time to get to know each person as an individual, which changed everything for me. This lesson is one that many leadership transition coaching programs emphasize, as building genuine relationships is key to successful management.

Reflections on Growth: Looking back now, I see many moments of growth that felt difficult at the time but propelled me forward. As they say, "If you don’t look back and cringe, you’re not improving." I’ve had my share of cringe-worthy moments, but they’ve all contributed to my strategic leadership development.

Ask yourself:

• What comment or feedback changed the way you saw yourself as a leader?
• Is there something you learned in the past that you could apply again today?

Shifts in Focus: I recently had coffee with my friend Jill, an accomplished executive with a career as long as mine. We talked about how shifts happen without us always noticing. She mentioned how, early in her career, she was focused on expanding her network, increasing exposure, and earning recognition. Now, she prefers to stay on the sidelines, focusing on her team’s success rather than her own.

Her comments resonated with me. Earlier in my career, I was focused on making connections and being seen. But as I’ve grown, I find more joy in being the silent partner for others. The hustle feels more like an open road on cruise control. This shift is a common realization in executive resilience training—finding peace and purpose in helping others.

Conclusion: Looking back at your career and recognizing the shifts that have happened naturally over time is an important part of leadership pipeline development. It gives you the momentum to move forward and seek your next quantum leap. Shifting is part of the journey, but it’s equally important to appreciate how far you’ve come.

Ask yourself:

• What do I do now on autopilot that used to be a struggle?
• Where do I need to focus next to create growth and progress?

Shifting happens without us always noticing, but by reflecting on your growth, you’ll gain valuable insight to propel your career forward.

Takeaway: Take a moment to reflect on a cringe-worthy memory that led to a quantum leap in your career. How did it shape you, and how can it inspire your next steps?

SEO Keywords Incorporated: "executive leadership training programs," "executive leadership workshops," "strategic leadership development," "leadership pipeline development," "executive resilience training," "leadership transition coaching," "executive leadership coaching," "quantum leaps in leadership."