When it comes to career progression in these difficult times, one might assume more people would use the word nebulous to describe their career outlook this year than the word fabulous. Given the changing talent landscape, new normal of virtual working, need for digital savviness and ever evolving priorities within the company, the career stability for many is a bit hazy. It would be a good idea to take baby steps to clear away those clouds of uncertainty little by little, in the absence of big bang fabulous progress. I would recommend these four.
Keep Talking
The corporate world and social media’s favourite word is networking. But that is something which comes naturally only to a few lucky ones. For most people, networking is almost like a chore that is attempted just because it needs to be done. The enforced slowdown during the pandemic is a great time to renew old friendships, both professional and social. A simple “How are you doing?” or a video call could better replicate the traditional face to face interaction. Also, networking initiated to just get a job or a reference is to be best avoided. The most robust networks are built by also keeping in mind what can be given to the other person. This blog by INSEAD has few interesting pointers.
Know Thyself
The scenario might not be upbeat now, but this is the best time to take a step back and assess the situation. This could include a candid self-assessment of one’s own skills, as well a considered forecast of which industries and roles would be on the upswing post pandemic. Instead of zooming in on one new persona that is sought to be developed, it might be a better idea to work on developing a diversified portfolio. That can very well be done by doing something ‘on the side’ while continuing the current job. This Harvard Business Review article also goes on to suggest treating a transition period between the past and future as a good time to self-assess.
Change – the new normal
Most of the best executive search firms in India are clear in their opinion that not all companies will come out on the other side smelling of roses and therefore the talent needs will be re-assessed. Not just the industry or the company, but also the mode of engagement would also be a differentiator. Gartner estimates that several senior positions would demand reduced time commitments but also provide reduced compensation, which is one of the scenarios that might have to be accepted by senior executives wanting to make a switch now. For those senior executives who are having to drive such changes in the organization, leading by example is one of several suggestions made by the Harvard Business Review in March.
Tech a right turn
Reinventing oneself as a technology guru would be an almost impossible dream for most senior executives. But that is no longer an excuse to continue to live beneath a rock any more. The lockdown has made a certain degree of technical mastery inevitable, even if it just means developing a familiarity with the usage of a videoconferencing tool. But the adoption of technology will stretch way beyond that in the immediate future, as this insightful piece by McKinsey explains. A senior executive looking for a career rejig will need to be comfortable in a digital world, which will form the canvas for business going forward. Peter Bell, who is Faculty Director at Columbia Business School has this to say recently – Understanding disruptive technologies and effectively managing digital talent are vital leadership skills that are critical to a company’s success. The time to invest in digital literacy is now.
This is a time that is unsettling for many, for obvious reasons. You need to remember that the same uncertainty has been experienced by companies as well. Several organizations have had to let go of employees at middle and senior levels due to a dim business outlook. As the world prepares to return to normalcy, many of these companies will need experienced sailors to man the captain’s deck. You need to be prepared to jump at the perfect time as the surf comes in. For a still possible fabulous career ahead, one needs to take inspiration from the title of a 2015 book. This is the time to Refire! Not Retire.
By Ashutosh Khanna
Co-Founder & Director
(WalkWater Talent Advisors Pvt. Ltd.)