The new Employment Reality requires not only the portfolio of skills mentioned last week, but also a better understanding of the career lattice which has replaced the career ladder. Individuals who want to get ahead will be on the lookout for projects that help them increase the skills in their portfolio which might result from lateral moves, or heaven forbid -a move DOWNWARD in the corporate ladder. Is that a huge mistake? Well it all depends. First let’s take a look at the new knowledge required by all successful workers in the new marketplace.
Take a few minutes and assess your competency in these areas: How well do you:
- Know yourself as “me, inc.” possessing a portfolio of multiple skill sets.
- Know the skill sets and function in your field and look for “what needs doing.”
- Know your field – stay current through networking and knowledge management
- Know the skill set you need in the future and create a realistic training plan to increase your “value added.”
- Know your customers and their changing demands. Demonstrate curiosity and initiative to learn how to meet their needs.
- Know your department or industry and the changing demands of the marketplace and the politics of your field
- Know your competitors and collaborators. Develop lasting relationships.
- Know how to lead change… for yourself and others.
A career move designed to systematically develop any of these knowledge bases is worth considering. Everyone’s situation is unique and getting in the habit of conducting these assessments regularly will help to keep your career headed in the right direction. You can learn more about these and other tools for success at www.lifeworktransitions.com
Thank you, Deborah Knox, Author,
PUT YOUR SPIRIT TO WORK: MAKING A LIVING BEING YOURSELF.
