Part 2 of 2
Even in the current disrupted career landscape, if you put the right support in place, individuals can be equipped to adapt and grow. It’s a combination of building confidence, capacity and future-proofing career skills that make a difference.
In part 1 I focussed on resilience, and here I’ll share insight to help you nurture the skills and culture you need for adaptability and transformation.
Adaptability
Career adaptability has been required for some time, as it has become harder for individuals to have a line of sight about clear career pathways. The ‘Chaos Theory of Careers’ has never been more relevant as we navigate unpredictability, complexity, and uncertainty. The pandemic has accelerated some of the technological trends and disruption that were already impacting organisations. Overnight people have risen to the challenge, with organisations and individuals demonstrating huge levels of adaptability, releasing potential. If individuals recognise the adaptability and learning they have gained during the pandemic it will continue to help organisations build on their capability and motivation.
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Transformation
The future continues to be shaped as organisations evolve their business models, some are contracting, others expanding, others transforming. Individuals need the skills and confidence to navigate the future and their own career, not only to secure their own financial security, but to build career satisfaction and purpose. This is no different to good career development, which helps ensure you build capability, retain and engage your employees, whilst building a culture that supports self-driven career journeys.
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All my experience tells me that finding ways to build people’s agency does make a difference, and we have the data to back it up. Over 4,000 individuals globally have taken part in our ‘Be Bold in Your Career’ online career coaching programme, including 900 at the peak of lockdown. The programme takes people though a guided career reflection process led by career experts, with its combination of resources and interactive live learning sessions. It equips individuals to take actions that support their career development, in particular building relationships and initiating career conversations.
It’s grounded in 7 future proofing skills, giving people the tools to navigate their career. 90% of participants initiated new conversations to take their career forward, and key outcomes are linked to people feeling more confident about their future career direction.
I have certainly become bolder. I asked for more challenging work, took on an additional project which went to our Board. I have accepted an invite to participate in a group which is meant for a higher level, I have spoken out at meetings where normally I would lack confidence. I find myself looking at people differently thinking now they don't necessarily know more than me
The programme has also been evaluated externally looking at the extent to which career development support impacts on productivity, a key concern as we come out of lockdown.
Whilst the future looks uncertain and precarious for individuals and organisations alike, finding ways to direct and influence the future is vitally important. Putting career development at the centre of a people strategy is both a key enabler and the right thing to do.
Help your people strengthen their resilience, adaptability and transformation with the Be Bold in Your Career programme.
