Change – Are You Ready For It?
Posted by shanemurphy on Monday, April 27, 2009
A pretty standard part of life in the world of learning and development has always, at least for me, seemed to included the dreaded term “downsizing,” “rightsizing,” or plain old “layoff.” It seems that everywhere I’ve ever worked, one of those crazy terms somehow ends up attached to the positions that I hold. For a long time, I wondered if it was me. But after several years of angst about myself, I was able to get past the “why me?” stages and progress to the “It’s my career and I need to define it!” stage.
Layoffs happen, especially in these economic times that we live in today. Never before has it been so important to take control of your career rather than letting your career control you. A few weeks ago, the words came again: “due to business conditions, we regret to inform you…” But this time, it was different. This time, I was ready!
We in the L+D world serve a fantastic purpose to our customers. But in these tumultuous, our value can very easily become a liability. And it’s because of that reality that we all of to be prepared for those words.
I highly recommend that you take a peek at a chapter from the American Society for Training and Development that tackles the issue of being ready for change head-on. I don’t know that it has all the answers that you may seek, especially if you’re just caught up in a downsizing. But the system that it discusses about taking charge of your career has never been so relevant. Right at the beginning of the chapter, the author discusses the importance of stepping back if you’re about to make a transition and taking stock.
1. Wind Down – Take the time to wrap up loose ends and say your goodbye’s. Make sure you leave on good terms. Speaking personally, as this has happened to me multiple times along my career path, I can’t stress this enough! When this latest event happened, I made sure to wrap up loose ends with my former employer, just as I have always done. At the end of the day, it’s a strategy that ultimately helped me land my newest assignment, as it came about through a former co-worker at another company. In other words, instead of cursing the situation, be a professional and do what’s right to help you close the book.
2. Call Time Out – Take stock of you. It’s so tempting to throw your hat into a dozen different rings, just hoping to “get a job.” Again, it’s your CAREER – it’s not just a job. Lots of people do jobs. But I am a L+D professional… it’s a CAREER, not a job. Decide what you want to do, define it, and get yourself in the position to go get it!
3. Take Off – Once you’ve decided your next move – MAKE IT! So many people are afraid to just take the step and show a potential employer that they are great at what they do. Don’t try to be a jack of all trades… be a MASTER of one or two, and show the world that you are THE master of what you do.
The Bald Truth is pretty clear… it’s YOUR career. Take control of it NOW.
And seriously… take a look at the ASTD chapter. It’s not a “quick read,” but it’s well worth the time.
