Relics of Bygone Eras - 2nd Edition - Career Development
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“I am in line for a promotion this next year.”
“He/She is on a career fast track.”
“I will out for the next two weeks for training.”
In the past, these were very common phases you would hear and described what most people would point to as a sign of career development. Today, you don’t hear statements like these and the future and meaning of career development is vastly different than in years past.
The traditional career path of linear career progression continues to be disrupted and evolve. For decades, employees looked to their employer to develop them and provide career advancement opportunities. If they completed required in-house training courses each year and paid their dues by doing what management asked, employees could follow a [fairly] predictable career path.
That was until competitive landscapes changed in the 80’s and forced organizations to significantly downsize, thereby limiting career advancement opportunities. The “career ladder” started to fall.
Now, as the workplace has been completely disrupted by a global pandemic, predictable career paths are nonexistent and the path to career success relies on each individual proactively identifying and cultivating their unique ability, knowledge, experience and talents that are valuable and easily transferable.
No matter where you are in the organization, from mailroom, manufacturing, finance or accounting, the sales organization to the C-suite, an individual’s career growth and success will be based on your ability to take the initiative to personally learn, grow, and develop, find opportunities to apply your unique talents, experience and knowledge that add significant value to your employer, no matter the workplace location.
Now more than ever, look to identify what unique talents and skills you possess, find opportunities to hone those skills, develop new talents and experiences and create, where possible, opportunities internally and externally to proactively step up and step in to apply those talents.
While most are waiting to see what happens next, those that accept that the future has changed forever will seize this moment and take control of their career development, chart their own path, and cultivate personal career success.
And for more detailed information about how to lead your own performance be sure to check out our Lead Where You Are book or online training! Both have greater insights and give you an actual plan to begin leading where you are.