It feels like every Friday brings another announcement of layoffs at some of the bigger tech firms in America.
It affects me as the owner of a small business that depends on clients in those companies. I have to pay attention, and make moves to respond to changing market conditions in a way that makes sense for my organization.
But it likely affects many of you as individuals as well. You have to pay attention to your company’s financial health and be prepared to respond when things change.
So it got me wondering, how do we inspect and adapt (on a personal level) to the changing circumstances that surround our jobs?
Luckily for me, I work with some amazing agile coaches and trainers. And two of them, Brian Milner and Scott Dunn, tackled this very question on a podcast as part of the larger topic of how organizations respond to tough economic times.
I want to share a couple of my takeaways with you.
Scott gave this advice: Before you even think about a new role or a new company, start with an honest self-evaluation.
- What are you passionate about? What makes you want to get out of bed in the morning?
- What are you good at? Where do you shine?
- Where are your weak spots? In which areas do you need to grow?
Then, Scott added, in a job interview or when networking, be ready with stories about how you have applied what you are passionate about in your work and on your team. If you think about them beforehand, those stories will come easily to you. And they’ll give people the confidence they need to take a chance on hiring, recommending, or promoting you.
Also, find ways to shore up your weaknesses—now, before the next job opportunity comes your way. What can you study, which incremental improvements can you make, who can mentor you so that you proactively address those places where you need to improve?
Come to think of it, that’s good advice even when the economy is going well. Always be evaluating how you can lean into your strengths and improve your blind spots. Honest self-inspection will help you succeed in your career
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