Stay smart: Get up-to-date with change
ARE YOU future-savvy? Are you up-to-date with the changes taking place in the workplace? Are you in tune with the changing dynamics of business? Well, let's accept it : we are living in an age of constant change, especially in the way business or work is being done. As a consequence there is a need to work more smartly and efficiently. Being in tune with these changes and adapting oneself to it can make us fighting fit to face the workplace of tomorrow.
To thrive in such an environment one must work like mythical Janus, whose two heads looked in opposing directions; likewise one must work on the present tasks efficiently and at the same time keep an eye on the changes in the horizon. Paying attention to the future will help you be aware of changes and be prepared for them so that you can take your career to the next level.
Here are some pointers to help you:
Be flexible: The future trend indicates that you and not your employer is going to determine your career path. For this you should stop looking at the work you are doing as more than just a job because this will give you a fixed identity which you will find difficult to get out of. Instead be resilient and open to change and move ahead. Flexibility is the key, you will have to look for career opportunities other than those in job postings on the web or the newspaper. Instead look at new developments in your field, the market and customer trends in your industry. This will help you to focus on specific areas for your professional development. Go for necessary training, look for new opportunities or apply for special projects in your company.
Expand your vision: Thinking only about your department or project in relation to the organisation will not help. You need to expand your horizons by seeing how your work affects the goals of the company. And if you are still developing your career, make it in sync with developments in your field. If you want to make it to the top of your organisation, you will have to be sensitive to how your contribution affects the bottom line.
Your skills: Your skills are not limited to what is on your bio-data or what comes as part of your job description. When you take an account of your skills, list all those attributes that qualify you for a better job and gives you an edge over others in the same position. To do this describe the best possible ways your skills can be used in different and new situations. Repackaging of your skills is essential to add value to them.
Prepare for globalisation: Businesses are expanding on a global scale and the trend indicates increase in the future, so prepare for it. With outsourcing and international mergers becoming commonplace, make a study of the international business trends and opportunities for your company to grow globally. You can prepare yourself for such an expansion by learning a foreign language and studying other cultures. Assess if you can handle an overseas assignment and gear yourself for it. There will definitely be a need for global managers in the future, companies will be on the lookout for people who can work in an alien culture, can negotiate across cultures and develop business, so get ready to go global with your skills.
Finding unmet needs: Initiative is important here. Rather than being happy with what you do and your contribution to the company, try to discover the unmet needs in your company or in your field which can be potential avenues for you. Companies value such employees who show the initiative to discover new markets. Other than new markets, look for new products or services that can be developed and how you can use your skills to meet these needs. Companies of the future will look for employees who do more than what is expected of them.
Willingness to learn: Another trait required is the willingness to learn. The view that learning stops with college is outdated. Curiosity and an eagerness to learn are essential.
People savvy: Today's employees no longer work in isolation, people skills are most important. The trend will continue because the future workplace will see more interaction between employees not only in the same field but even with those in other areas.
Team dynamics will become important especially when work transcends borders and cultures. Being able to work as a team, resolve conflicts and take decisions as a group will become essential skills. Interpersonal skills not only includes the ability to get along well with others but also the ability to solve problems as a team, leadership skills and efficiently managing projects.
These are what companies will look out for in employees. So spruce up your team building skills.
These are some of the skills you need to develop to succeed in the workplace of the future.
HEMA GOPALAKRISHNAN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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