Black EOE Journal www.blackeoejournal.com 145
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From Telescope to Kaleidoscope: Rethinking Career Mobility
ByLindyWilliams,ChiefCreativeicer,TalentDimensions
T
his last year, we were participants in events that tossed out plans and left us wonder- ing whats next. As we slowly move into the next chapter - into the next - things have changed. We have changed. Careers plans will be just one of the things we need to revisit and potentially rewrite. What follows is one approach to that rewrite. We believe the timing is perfect to move away from a traditional linear approach to career planning - an approach authors Beverly Kaye, Lindy Williams and Lynn Cowart of the book, Up Is Not the Only Way: Rethinking Career Mobility , like to call a telescope view. A telescope view focuses solely on designing a path to reach a predetermined role. Kaye, Williams and Cowart suggest replac- ing the telescope with a kaleidoscope. Like the ever-shifting images viewed through a kaleido- scope, careers patterns must allow for a vari- ety of options and experiences to be viable in an ever-changing workplace. A resilient career pattern allows several options to be pursued simultaneously. Growing in a current job role while preparing for broader responsibilities and exploring possibilities builds preparedness for shake-ups or unanticipated shifts, like the ones we had in 2020.
Transitioning to a Kaleidoscope
The below six experiences are designed to build a flexible career pattern while offering growth all along the way: Grow Here - Continuing to learn in the current assignment is mandatory. Work is changing too quickly to allow for standing still, so stay at the top of your game as a professional with continuous learning. Try Before You Buy - Exploring another role or function can result in informed choices about whether to pursue a move. Formal expe- riences like temporary assignments or rotations can lead to rich discoveries. If formal processes dont exist, less structured experiences, like informational interviews or simply doing some research about another area, can uncover fac- tors that will contribute to informed decisions going forward. Sideways to Highways - Lateral experi- ences are very effective ways to broaden exper- tise. As organizations disperse geographically and functionally, moving across can posi- tion you for bringing a broad perspective to future opportunities. Step Back for a Reason or a Season - Stepping back to a role of lesser responsibility or pressure can be a difficult choice. However, planning and implementing this option can be an effective way to respond to personal needs or to switch to another discipline or professional field. When Up is the Way - Vertical experiences are still around. And when the time is right, a move up can be a critical piece of a career pat- tern. Its important to be prepared with the skills and competencies to succeed in a bigger role. Know what to expect. Examine the downsides and the upsides of a promotion. Promotions can be enticing and rewarding but the key is in making sure those 'rewards' - the visibility, influence, compen- sation, etc. - are in sync with any accompa- nying trade-offs - longer hours, increased pressure, greater risks, etc. Informed choices outweigh quick decisions every time. Is That Grass Really Greener? - There are times when leaving is the right option. When the opportunities to grow are best met elsewhere, leaving is better than staying and risking disengagement. Weigh the plusses and minuses. Then, if departure is in the cards, switch your focus to what the authors call ele- gant exits. Parting on good terms leaves the doors of possibility open of a respectful return one day if necessary.
What Does it Take?
Decades of helping people plan and navigate careers have taught us the below factors can make the process successful and meaningful: Courage - Talk candidly and openly with mentors, managers or coaches about what you want, what you need and what you hope for from your career. Commitment - Stay on course in spite of shifting priorities that threaten to pull you off your plan. Watch for signs that you are getting distracted. Set up touch points to check your progress and adjust as needed. Collaboration - Careers require col- laboration. Seek out others who can be thought partners. If your direct manager isnt a great coach, find a formal or informal mentor who is. Trusted partners can be critical sounding boards and sources of ideas. Connectedness - Careers dont happen in a vacuum. Input from a wide range of indi- viduals inside and outside an organization can influence opportunities. Check your network of connections. Confidence - Confidence builds from successes. Even failures and mistakes, if we learn from them, are crucial to growth. As each career experience is completed, unpack what you learned and how you will leverage that les- son. Debrief experiences with a peer, mentor or coach. Celebrate the wins but always exam- ine what didnt work and why to build your self-awareness.
Up Was Never for Everyone!
Determining whats best and whats next for you, or adapting a more kaleidoscope view, not only allows you to be open to ever-shifting patterns of opportunities and possibilities - it helps you create a personalized path to a truly rewarding career. For more information, or to purchase a copy of the book, Up Is Not the Only Way: Rethinking Career Mobility , visit bevkaye.com.
Source: Talent Dimensions
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