The pandemic outbreak has compelled organisations into perhaps the most significant disruption of work in action. Employees working from home and social distancing policies are radically changing the way people work and interact. But the true impact on work is way more profound than just a change of space; it is yet radically altering how work is performed and what it is expected from an employee.
In the current scenario leaders have an unprecedented opportunity to rearrange work and have employees take on different responsibilities to better respond to the evolving needs of their organisations, customers and employees. To navigate such uncertain times, organisational flexibility and agility are the words of order so companies can rebound with strength when the economy recovers.
From a practical perspective, it is undeniable that this health crisis will dramatically change the world. The way we conduct business will never be the same. New policies and procedures implemented in firefighting mode are here to stay. Truth is we have to face the new reality and adapt to that.
Professionally speaking, the greatest lesson 2020 has taught me is career resilience, which is the ability to be comfortable with change and adapt to the new job market demands. In other words, it is the ease which you are able to step outside your job role and walk the extra mile. The level of adaptability to change varies from person to person. For some it is very easy and for others it can be really challenging.
How can we display career resilience and be ready to meet the new market demands? I would like to share with you 5 tips that worked for me:
1. Embrace Change
Face change as an opportunity to develop new skills and build up knowledge. Take some time to analyse your job or business and answer to a simple question: What will be the demand going forward? Maybe you need to sharpen up your IT knowledge. Perhaps it’s time to move your business online. It might be the perfect time to learn new competences.
Identify what you need to work on so you can smoothly embrace changes that will certainly come your way.
2. Level Up
This is the time to identify the rising trend in your professional field and develop skills that are in high demand. Enroll in an on-line course, improve your software skills, watch videos about effective public speaking.
You are in charge of your own career development so never stop learning and evolving. Put time and effort to increase your marketability.
3. Nurture your professional networking
You might have already heard a saying that “Your network is your net worth”. Professional connections are very important in that scenario of career changes or disruptions. Developing good professional relationships is a key investment to grow and succeed. People that know you and your efficiency can easily refer you, recommend you, link you up or connect you to decision-making players.
Remember: maintaining such professional relationships is as important as building them. If you don’t’ connect regularly, you will be easily forgotten.
4. Develop a Growth Mindset
People who believe their talents can be developed through hard work, good strategies and feedback from others have a growth mindset. If you believe that you can learn and become more skilled and intelligent you will be a harder worker and excel at whatever you do.
From now on say YES to opportunities. There´s a huge difference between “I can’t do” and “I’ve never done it before”. Challenge yourself. Should a new opportunity arise show your will to give it a try even though you´ve never attempted it before.
5. Boost your Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges and avoid conflict. It helps you build stronger relationships, succeed at work, and achieve your career and personal goals.
A good way to improve your EI is to constantly reflect on some compelling questions:
• Are you able to recognise your emotions and its impacts on you?
• Are you able to control your emotions in the workplace?
• Are you able to connect with others and effectively manage conflicts?
The five topics we discussed above are great tools for you to apply to develop career resilience and be successful, whether you run your own business or work for an organisation.
Lorena Lobo is a Learning and Development professional with +12 years of experience managing talents and developing new leaders. She has an MBA in Human Resources Management and a Life & Career Coaching Certification. After working for different hotel chains in Latin America, she has joined Four Seasons Anguilla in 2019.
