Most people tend to think about their career progression and growth in a linear manner – i.e. work my way up the ladder and end in a senior or leadership position before retirement.<\/p>\n
In today’s evolving and constantly changing world, one needs to think about the career topic with a different perspective. Environments change quickly, business shifts happen unexpectedly, impacts are felt globally, leaders and strategies change faster than one expects.<\/p>\n
The concept of ‘stretch’ and growth needs to be constantly on one’s agenda. Complexity in different forms ensure learning and growth. As a result, we develop learning agility and it becomes a fundamental element of our approach and way of working. As we widen our ability to think, adapt and grow, we increase our value to any organizational setting.<\/p>\n
Here are some fundamental questions to think about in this approach. The deeper and longer term aspects have to be addressed first.<\/p>\n
1. What do I want to achieve with my life? What is meaningful success for me? What capabilities, support and paths do i need to build?
\n2. Am I continuing to grow or learn new things (in an area of importance, aligned to my longer term career objective), irrespective of the position or responsibility I hold today?
\n3. How long have I been doing the same work (irrespective of the job or role), without changing any element? Can I think of different approaches?
\n4. Key elements of role changes I would want to explore:
\na. Breadth of responsibility at different levels
\nb. People Management – direct, indirect, matrix
\nc. Culture – Geography, Organization
\nd. Organization size, background and structure
\ne. Business environments – startup, fast growth, mature, major changes
\nf. Local & Global roles
\n4. Have I explored experience in different types of work approaches – eg. consulting, independent, volunteer etc.?<\/p>\n
One can explore options with current organizations to start with or externally, through encouraging leaders and systems who facilitate the right opportunities.<\/p>\n
At the heart of it, it may be always worthwhile to ask ourselves a Tom Peters (management guru) question: “What would you like to be written on your tombstone?”<\/strong><\/p>\n Life is a valuable gift and it is important to think about the impact we want to create and the meaning we want to achieve through our work. After all, we spend a substantial portion of our lives at work and with colleagues.<\/p>\n Wish you the very best and a successful New Year 2015…<\/p>\n To every reader who’ve followed my posts, shared feedback and encouragement, special thanks to you and best wishes.<\/p>\n