Part 2 – In your 30s: Leadership skills for every career decade

Embarking on a professional journey involves not just navigating the corporate landscape but also evolving as a leader. We’ve created a trilogy of articles delving into the intricacies of leadership in your 20s, 30s, and 40s and give you practical tips to guide you on your path to mastering leadership. Read our first article on leadership in your 20s or carry on reading to find out how to ace leadership in your 30s.

Part 2 - Leadership in Your 30s: Refinement and expansion

1. Strategic thinking

Developing a long-term strategic mindset is essential for aligning actions with organizational goals during your 30s. Look for opportunities within your organization and industry. These could range from new projects to collaborations. Documenting potential opportunities in your journal helps you stay open to possibilities and prepares you to capitalize on them.

Practical Tip: Start a strategic thinking journal. Regularly jot down your insights on industry trends, organizational challenges, and potential opportunities. Identify and analyze challenges your organization is facing. Use your journal to brainstorm potential solutions and strategies. This proactive approach positions you as someone who not only identifies problems but actively contributes to solving them.

2. Delegation

Effective delegation is a critical skill for leaders, promoting collaboration and team empowerment. It’s not always easy to relinquish control but it’s a necessary skill for leadership. By distributing tasks based on team members’ strengths and expertise, leaders can ensure that each team member contributes to their full potential, leading to greater efficiency and productivity.

Practical Tip: Gradually increase the autonomy of team members. Provide clear expectations and support, allowing them to take on more responsibility. 

3. Conflict resolution

Navigating conflicts is a critical aspect of leadership, especially during mid-career stages where responsibilities often increase, and teams become more diverse. 

Practical Tip: Invest time in team-building workshops that include conflict resolution exercises. Equip your team with the skills to navigate conflicts constructively. Tailor conflict resolution exercises to real or hypothetical scenarios relevant to your team. This could include communication breakdowns, differences in work styles, or divergent opinions on project approaches.

4. Mentorship

Entering your 30s often marks a period of increased responsibility and leadership. Mentors offer a wealth of experience and knowledge. This knowledge transfer is invaluable during a phase where you may be taking on more complex roles and projects. Learning from someone who has been through similar experiences accelerates your own growth. Mentoring others enhances your leadership skills. Taking on the role of a mentor requires effective communication, active listening, and the ability to provide constructive feedback—essential leadership skills that benefit both you and your mentees.

Practical Tip: As well as a seeking mentorship for yourself, try to offer mentorship within your team. Regular check-ins and career development discussions contribute to a supportive and growth-oriented culture. 

5. Influence

According to the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, honing influence skills becomes increasingly important in leadership during your 30s. In your 30s, you may find yourself working more closely with cross-functional teams. Influencing individuals from different departments or areas of expertise requires finesse in communication and persuasion.

Practical Tip: Hone your storytelling skills. Craft narratives that connect with your audience, making it easier to influence. Tailor your stories to resonate with the specific concerns and interests of your audience. This customization enhances the relevance and impact of your narrative.

6. Feedback

The Society for Human Resource Management emphasizes the role of constructive feedback in employee development, contributing to continuous improvement in both individuals and teams. Clear expectations are essential for success. Feedback sessions offer an opportunity to clarify expectations, ensuring that employees understand their roles and responsibilities, and aligning their efforts with organizational goals.

Practical Tip: Implement a regular feedback loop. Encourage team members to provide feedback not just upward but also laterally, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

7. Crisis management

The Harvard Business Review’s “Leading in a Crisis” highlights the importance of effective crisis management skills during mid-career stages. The mid-career phase often involves adapting to changes in the industry, market dynamics, or organizational structure. Crisis management skills enable leaders to navigate uncertainty, make informed decisions, and guide their teams through transitions.

Practical Tip: Conduct crisis simulation exercises. This proactive approach prepares your team for potential challenges and enhances crisis management skills.

8. Expand your network

In your 30s, you may be aiming for strategic career moves and considering leadership roles. Expanding your network positions you to discover opportunities that align with your mid-career goals, such as leadership positions, mentorship opportunities, or industry-specific ventures.

Practical Tip: Attend networking events with a specific goal. Whether it’s finding a mentor, business partner, or potential collaborator, targeted networking yields better results. 

9. Visionary leadership

As discussed in the book “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi, expanding your professional network in your 30s contributes to broader industry connections and opportunities. A visionary leader inspires and motivates. As you progress in your career, motivating your team becomes crucial for achieving collective success. A clear and inspiring vision creates a sense of purpose, driving individuals to go above and beyond in their efforts.

Practical Tip: Develop a visual roadmap for your team’s goals. A tangible vision aids in effective communication and aligns everyone towards a common objective.

10. Work-life balance

Research from the Journal of Business and Psychology emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for sustained success and well-being. This is not always easy to achieve when you have many demands on your time. Balancing career demands with personal life becomes crucial to avoid burnout and ensure sustained success.

Practical Tip: Prioritize self-care by scheduling personal time for activities that rejuvenate you. This could include exercise, hobbies, family time, or simply moments of relaxation. Treat personal time as non-negotiable, just like work commitments. In your 30s, you may be presented with numerous opportunities and requests. Learning to say no when necessary is essential for maintaining balance. Evaluate commitments based on their alignment with your priorities and decline when needed.

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