Sunday Soliloquy: Evolution

Recently, I’ve been completing and editing my fourth novel. I wrote it years ago, but finalising it isn’t something I have prioritised until now. As I edit it, I’ve realised how my style has developed, and my writing skills have improved. My tone of voice has matured, and I’ve changed how I articulate myself. I’ve grown. I’ve evolved. 

Each day, when I do the school run, I see a flash of blue growing between the stones of the steps on our route. The flowers grow despite the concrete and harsh conditions, which suggest growth shouldn’t be possible. Yet growth is inevitable. 

And as this realisation dawned on me, I examined other ways I’ve evolved and grown. An obvious example is my new job. Focusing on the way that employees experience an organisation builds on almost every part of my professional experience and the skills that I’ve built over the years.   My early days as a communications advisor embedded storytelling into everything I do, my mid-career running programs and projects helping me understand change management both operationally and psychologically and my experiences as a senior HR leader. Identifying the basics that organisations must get right as well as how to build on best practice and delight with bold moves.  My new role helps me evolve my career in a new direction. 

Evolution isn’t always structured or easily discernible, though. There are natural rhythms of growth, learning, and development. Society, technology, and the world force us to grow and evolve. I learnt to type on a “golf ball” typewriter. I remember internet dial-up up choosing between phone calls and surfing. Yet here I am using generative AI and engaging in “conversations” with bots. 

It can feel overwhelming all the talk of growth mindsets and the expectation to always keep up, but if we deconstruct what it actually means to evolve, it’s within our reach. And it is those people who learn to evolve at speed and pre-empt change who will be the evolved leaders of the future. 

So, what are the three qualities I’d advise someone who is trying to become an evolved leader? 

1. Openness—It is critical to be open to new ideas and concepts and to seek out alternative perspectives and ways of doing things, using feedback, both positive and negative, as a catalyst for growth. 
2. Humility – You won’t always be right, and that is okay. We learn at least as much from our failures as we do from our successes. The memories of what went wrong are often seared into our unconsciousness as hazard warnings to avoid repetition. 
3. Focus—Just as muscle atrophy can occur when not used, growth can also plateau or become difficult if you don’t dedicate time to it or intentionally give it your attention. 

While growth is inevitable, embracing it and cultivating it are choices. Sometimes, it feels hard, as if you’re trying to break through, but if you embrace it, there is an opportunity to flourish!

#growthmindset #positivity #coaching #leadershipcoaching #lifecoaching #leadership #evolvedleadership #evolve #servantleadership #ai #technology #evolution 

 *first published at Sunday Soliloquy: Evolution (roiannenedd.com)

Roianne Nedd is a multifaceted HR leader specialising in corporate governance, ethics, intersectional feminism, organisational performance, and leadership effectiveness. She is the author of the Trusted Black Girl series of books focused on the experiences of Black women at work and the Cracked Cocoon series of self-help books. She is also an accomplished speaker, sought-after executive, and career and life coach.