Having finished the final touches to my presentation for a marketing event on Monday, I decided to take a break by reading The Economist and the Newsweek. Having gone through the entire Newsweek, I had a strange sensation....something you feel when you just know that something is not right but you can't put your finger on it. The feeling intensified half way through the Economist. Having put both magazines down, the reason finally came to me......both publications have moved on from talking all gloom and doom of the current economic crisis to the usual stuff (read America, America and more America!). To be fair they did give some space to news from Iran and Russia especially how the 'tyrants' from these countries will be brought down by the economic downturn. Maybe the prospect of this happening soon has cheered the editors!
Anyway, what I really wanted to focus my thoughts on today is 'what can one do to continue proactively manage one's career' during this economic turmoil?'
Allow me to give my two cents worth; some of which I shared in a recent workshop I conducted. For each, I will take the liberty to share an example from my own (limited) experiences where ever I can:
1. Don't despair : In 1997, I woke up one day thinking that I am busted! My car payments were behind. Some freelance work I was doing came to a halt. My day job was precarious to say the least. In 1998, I became a father of twins. It was tough. Was I worried? Yes. Despair? No. Someone I knew and respected at my workplace told me that 'hey...just keep saying to your self - what's the worst thing that can happen...you will feel better'. Strangely, it turned out to be a good remedy and the reason is in point no. 2 below.
2. Find the higher purpose. My higher purpose has always been teaching, educating and guiding. I learn best by doing these and that’s exactly what I did and did more of and sometimes for very little financial return or none at all. I was happy enough to keep my depression to a manageable level.
3. Change. Sometimes, simply trying again and again and again is not the best course to take if you are doing the same thing in each try. So, I decided to venture into something entirely different. In fact, I even moved my family (then) to a new location. You don't have to go to that extent but institute some changes into your life. Read different books, watch different movies, have lunch with different people. At work, take your head out of the PC and look at what others are doing, what are their job functions, what are their tools, what are they enjoying about their jobs. You might just find your next career objective.
4. Maintain your professionalism. When I left my job at the University, the Dean of the faculty wrote such a heart-felt reference letter that I almost changed my mind about leaving. That letter opened many doors for me. Then, when I left my next job, some associates and clients asked me how much I made from selling off my shares in the company. I didn’t make any money as I was merely an employee of that company. It took my former boss to tell me that the thing he liked about me was that I take ownership of my job and the company no matter how difficult the job is. So, be professional and it will pay dividends when the economy picks up. It did for me.
5. Prepare for skirmishes at the workplace. Tough times will bring out the best in people and occasionally the worst. Don't take it to heart. But, don't allow critical issues to be swept under the carpet either. During times like these, we need to move fast and be lean and mean. So, nip problems before they blossom into full blown issues....but do it in a nice(r) way. I know I don't always do that, but I try.
6. Manage your workplace reputation. If you have been unfairly labeled in any way at the workplace, this is the time to prove your real worth. You can erase years of bad reputation by doing something extraordinarily altruistic or synergistic to your team or colleagues. This downturn may well turn out to be your second chance in your career development.
7. Revisit your career motivations. Take time to reflect on your passions and values. There will be things that you need to re-adjust. The floods (crisis) in the sub-Saharan plains is nature's way of bringing renewal(growth) to the lands. So, this downturn is an opportunity for your renewal. Whether you are still in your job or has been made redundant, you can renew your career objectives and with it a big portion of what constitutes your life.
8. Update your Resume. Not to switch job but to see where you have arrived at since the last time you got your resume updated. Are you where you wanted to be 3 years ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago? If yes, good for you and hang on in there. If not, time to do point No.7.
Career Management is a reflective process followed by action. What better time to do the former while waiting the opportune time to do the latter. Trust me, the opportune time will come. It always does. Have faith.
Cheers everybody.
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