the 3Ls of Career development

Some people say I think like an engineer because I like frameworks. Maybe I became an engineer because I like frameworks, who knows. Anyway, here is a framework I designed for myself several years ago to help me navigate my own career. It's my 3Ls of career development: Learn, Lead, Leap.

Learn: This is the early stage in a new role where I am simply a sponge. Typically thrown in the deep end, I am learning and absorbing what there is to know about the new role, where I can add value and what I can add to my skills toolkit.
Lead: In this stage, I take on leadership roles. I am either leading people directly or indirectly, I'm seen and recognized as a thought leader or I am leading complex high impact projects.
Leap: At this point, I'm ready to move on to the next thing. Face it, movement is a natural law, and in this stage, I identify what is next for me to leap into where I can start off the cycle again, and become a learner.
How long do you stay in each stage you ask? It depends! It's up to you and what's true for you. The point is, if you listen deeply to yourself, you'll know where you are and when it's time to move into the next stage. Listen to that voice and take action!