Has COVID-19 given you anxiety about your job security?

Worried about staying relevant in your profession?

You are not alone!

As we all pivot and rethink what work will look like in the post-COVID-19 world, there may be nothing more professionally important than reexamining our personal development.

The more sought-after competencies (skills and behaviors) you have, the more likely you’ll be able to thrive in this strange new economy.

But, how do you know what competencies you’ll need?

FIRST, DO A SIMPLE SELF-ASSESSMENT

Before rushing out to get every certification you can think of, the first thing to do is step back and get strategic.

Give yourself a S.W.O.T. analysis—Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats. Think on that for five minutes, and then ask yourself this question: What would best set me up for success—doubling down on improving my strengths, or leveling up areas where I struggle?

Then, do this.

LEVERAGE YOUR NETWORK

Get outside your own head. Who do you personally know in a position you admire/aspire to? See if they would be willing to chat to discuss the key competencies they use to be successful.

In our coaching, we call this “competency-based networking.” Remember, you’re not looking for a job, or a favor, you’re looking for intel, for an opinion…and everyone likes to give their opinion.

Once you get some answers, compare what they told you, to your SWOT analysis. What stands out?

GO TO WORK ON WHAT YOU LEARN

Time is of the essence. Those who don’t adapt will be left behind. Conversely, going to work on yourself feels empowering. It builds confidence and shows initiative—employers (and the market) love both of those. So, take what you learn and map out a flexible, methodical plan of attack.

When we work with clients, we usually start with four, heavy-hitter questions that form the framework for strategic personal development.

• “Who am I?” Assists in self-exploration

• “What do I want?” Establishes priorities

• “Where am I going?” Identifies options 

• “How do I get there?” Allows creation of an action plan

It is from a close examination of these four questions, that clarity and direction emerge.

THE MINDSET THAT LEADS TO SUCCESSFUL, COMPETENCY-BASED NETWORKING

As you think about who you may know, remember these four tips:

1. Slowly increase the number of topics
   The number and variety of topics discussed in a relationship increases its overall depth and may unearth a “black swan” opportunity you hadn’t even considered.

2. Share more of yourself and your story
   Appropriate self-disclosure can be very powerful.

3. Be a giver
   Nobody likes a full-time taker. Keep the value proposition leaning toward their favor.

4. Go out of your way
   Your willingness to accommodate underscores the value you place on the relationship and looking out and caring for others always comes back to you.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These are trying times for sure, but if you can lean into the challenges ahead, you will find opportunities greater than what you had before.

Someone you know probably has a game-changer idea waiting for you, so get connected and start a strategic networking conversation. Be humble, be a giver, and be committed to always improving. You do those things, and there will be no shortage of meaningful work waiting for you in this new economy.

Until next time,

Laura

PS. If you’d like some help thinking through your situation, reach out and schedule a 30 minute Discovery call with us HERE.