What keeps people holding on white knuckled to a net that can no longer catch fish?
Well into the third year of this economic meltdown and many unemployed professionals are still hopeful that not much has changed in the workplace since they were asked to leave.
False hope or denial?
Whatever it is, this mindset prevents people from investing in themselves by adding new skills and upgrading existing ones that foster value creation. They stop short of reinventing their careers altogether because they don't believe it's necessary.
Many companies continue to row the same boat of denial. Their "support net" for downsized employees include the standard outplacement package of a resume rewrite, classes and tips on interviewing, and if people are lucky, some mini-workshops on communication and negotiation skills.
No one was prepared for a non-standard recession and, thus, no one noticed that the nets were frayed and ripping at the seams.
I know that no one likes reality news, especially if it makes us feel bad. But stick with me a bit longer and I'll give you something that will make you feel good.
Times are a Changin'
The world has gone through a fundamental shift that has forever changed how business is done. Companies and individuals capable of adapting for this reinvented world will redefine success for everyone else. Just a few examples...
- Governor Rick Snyder was elected a few weeks ago on a ticket of Reinvent Michigan
- Newspapers, magazines, libraries, and journalists are reinventing themselves
- Trailblazing hospitals are reinventing healthcare, community, and education
Innovation and value creation is for everyone and not just R&D and New Product Introduction groups. Everyone has to bring something to the beach party and you'll want to show up like you mean it--communicating, collaborating and contributing while you're there. Why?
- Innovation expands the creative output of work teams
- Innovation generates revenues from new products and services
- Innovation repurposes products and services for marketplace re-entry
- Innovation increases process improvements that sustain value over time
- Innovation improves productivity through redesigned work environments
- Innovation results in new inventions that reduce, reuse and expand offerings
Three Ways to Get it Right (Post-Great Recession)
So, how do you begin rewriting your DNA for this new world of work? You can't rewrite your DNA for the post Great Recession unless you're clear on how you invented yourself in the first place. You have to know where you've been before you can reinvent for the future.
Unfortunately, no one has a decent working crystal ball these days. Optimistic economists say the U.S. and many industrialized countries can expect a real uptick in employment Q3 or Q4 of 2011, while pessimists project decent job creation and employment gains to occur late into 2012 (or even 2013!).
Now that I have your attention, I'm going to offer you three low-cost opportunities before the end of the year to get it right post-Great Recession (I'm an optimist who believes that opportunities always present themselves when we're prepared to act on them).
Here's the deal:
- 1 hour, three webinars, 3 Fridays in December
- You'll receive worksheets for note taking
- I'll share the slides following the webinars
- No recordings will be available (you'll need to show up)
- Low cost, but not free (folks don't always value free)
- Net proceeds will go to one of my favorite non-profits
- No "tire kickers" please. Take a spot only if you're ready to change your status quo
Side request: Please don't take up space if you're "scouting" to see what I'm up to--I'll share the slides and if you have questions just ask.
Opportunity #1 for Unemployed Professionals | $3 USD | 200 spots
Fast-track Career Reinvention
Friday, Dec 3 from 11:00-12:00 noon (Pacific Daylight)
How do you reinvent when you've spent the last year or two unemployed?
- The biggest challenge for people reinventing themselves for the first time is in knowing what to expect along the way. You'll learn how to prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for developments that can derail your efforts if you're not expecting them.
- Tips on how to take what you've done, what you enjoy, and find a match for yourself in a new direction.
Opportunity #2 for Professionals | $23 USD | 200 spots
Growing and Sustaining Your Career Value
Friday, Dec 11 from 11:00-12:00 noon (Pacific Daylight)
You must approach your career like a business and be prepared to attract and pursue opportunities that sustain your value over time.
- Learn how to identify breaks and weak links in your "Innovation DNA"
- Quick tips on performing corrective "DNA surgery"
- Leveraging your strongest links in the workplace
Opportunity #3 for Managers | $33 USD | 200 spots
Redefining and Measuring Workplace Success
Friday, Dec 17 from 11:00-12:00 noon (Pacific Daylight)
It's all about adapting, but how do you adapt for a post-Great Recession world when you're not sure what dots to connect?
- Where to look for new "wins" within the status quo for the new world of business
- Tips on how to prepare your workforce for navigating the post-Great Recession landscape
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