By Karen Hough, Founder and CEO, ImprovEdge

Career progression is often seen as a forward-moving journey—new roles, new responsibilities, and fresh challenges. However, sometimes, in tackling these new experiences, we are presented with an opportunity to revisit skills we once mastered earlier in our careers. 

I recently had the chance to use my professional acting skills onstage again – for the first time in over a decade! Although I present to groups and large audiences as a speaker and trainer every week, this was different. I had to remember the critical importance of things like timing with my fellow actors, hitting my mark exactly in order to be in the right light and placement onstage, and helping with set changes backstage so others could shine. I was a tiny part of a massive production and felt so proud to be one of the links that led to success. 

It was a little scary, too. What if I was too rusty? What if the director didn’t like my interpretation? “What ifs” can sometimes keep us from trying something again. We have to be willing to be beginners again and take feedback. 

Whether it’s l diving back into a technical task or managing a project similar to one from years ago, tapping into these past capabilities can bring a unique advantage to our present roles.

The Value of Old Skills in New Roles

As professionals, we accumulate a broad spectrum of skills over time. Some of these skills may no longer be part of our daily responsibilities, but they remain valuable assets in our professional toolkit. When given the chance to use them again, we often discover:

• A Fresh Perspective: Years of experience in different roles shape how we approach familiar tasks. What was once routine may now feel more strategic, informed by a broader understanding of business priorities. I made what was written as an authoritarian character, a funny character. It felt great to know that I could make a more complicated decision as an actor this time around.
• Efficiency Gains: Because we’ve done it before, there’s less of a learning curve. Old skills, when revisited, tend to resurface quickly, making execution smoother and more effective. I knew who in the production crew to go to for assistance and coaching immediately, because I had been there before.
• Increased Confidence: Mastery breeds confidence. Using a past capability reminds us of how competent we are and reinforces our overall sense of professional worth.
• Enhanced Leadership: If you’re in a leadership position, demonstrating hands-on expertise in a task you used to do can strengthen your credibility with your team.

When the Past Meets the Present: Real-World Examples

Consider the marketing executive who started out as a graphic designer and later finds themselves needing to create a quick visual for an urgent presentation. Instead of waiting for the design team, they open up Photoshop, create the needed asset, and move forward efficiently.

Or imagine an IT leader who previously specialized in security. Years later, in an executive role, they step in to manage a breach when their less-experienced employees are managing it for the first time. Their deep familiarity with how to shut down risk and respond effectively kicks in, and makes them an engaging leader in the moment. 

These instances highlight the power of past experiences in elevating present contributions. Revisiting an old capability can also be a moment of nostalgia—a reminder of how far we’ve come—while reinforcing the value of continuous learning.

Embracing the Opportunity to Reuse Old Skills

When you find yourself in a situation where past skills become relevant again, consider the following approaches to maximize the opportunity:

1. Recognize the Moment: Be aware when a past capability is needed. Rather than seeing it as a step backward, view it as a chance to showcase your versatility.
2. Adapt to New Contexts: Apply your past skills in a way that aligns with your current role and responsibilities. What worked years ago might need updating to fit today’s environment.
3. Share Knowledge: Use the moment as an opportunity to mentor or train others who are developing that skill for the first time.
4. Reflect on Growth: Acknowledge how your perspective has evolved since you last used the skill. Consider how your current expertise enhances your approach to it now.

Conclusion: A Career is a Cumulative Journey

Moving into a new role doesn’t mean leaving past skills behind forever. Instead, think of your career as a cumulative journey—each step builds on the last, creating a rich tapestry of capabilities that can be revisited and reactivated as needed. When an old skill resurfaces, embrace it. It’s a testament to your adaptability, a reminder of your growth, and an opportunity to bring new value to your current position.

For me, it surprised many of my colleagues and clients. They knew I had the chops for acting, and were stunned to see it in action. It created a deeper sense of credibility for the work we do every day.

So, the next time you find yourself stepping back into an old skillset, don’t hesitate. Lean in, do the work, and appreciate the full breadth of experience that makes you the professional you are today.