Ever feel unprepared? That was me…

Every job I ever took… was a stretch role.  Yep, I didn’t really know what I was doing going in.

– As an intern, I didn’t know what a pilot plant was – when I started working in one. That was a bit intimidating, actually. Massive stainless steel machines behind explosion-proof walls. But I learned my power, that seemingly scary things are doable.

– My degree was in chemical engineering, not package engineering… but I tried the packaging role offered to me anyway, in my first role out of college. I learned the complexities of the supply chain. And that it’s actually someone’s job to drop things – to make sure they aren’t damaged (that was fun!).

– I didn’t know the first thing about market research when I started interviewing consumers about the products they bought. I learned that people don’t always do what they say (not intentionally!) and how powerful it is to connect to the people that your work touches.

– How do you build a new brand and product from scratch? Not sure… but I decided to figure it out in a new innovation role. I learned that it’s ok not to know everything yourself, and how to find people with expertise and experience to guide you.

– My role was eliminated… what if I start my own business? Ok, I’ll try it. I learned taxes, financial bookkeeping, storytelling, marketing, and so much more… .

Honestly, I didn’t look for these roles specifically. They popped up as opportunities.

As I explored what was next… They each became an option. It never felt like a perfect fit. Each one scared me. I didn’t know how I was going to be successful.

But it was an opportunity. And felt like an adventure. So, I took it.

I made plenty of mistakes.

It was really messy at times.

But each time I came out better, stronger.

Here’s what I’ve learned from this strategy:

You learn the most, especially about yourself, when you take on things that stretch you.

Yes, I learned package engineering, market research, startup strategy, and how to run a business.

But more importantly, I learned…

– To trust myself.

– What I’m really capable of.

– That I can figure it out along the way.

These valuable things… are leadership skills no one talks about.

And there’s no other way to learn them.

You gotta stretch.