With unemployment in The Bahamas at its worst level for a number of years, any decision to move into another job or career during 2016 needs to be carefully considered. But never fear; the Nassau Guardian is here! Taking inspiration from Michael D Watkins book, 'Your Next Move' we aim to provide a workable plan for anyone wanting to make an impact in any new role.
Watkins explains that any managerial or professional job applicant faces their toughest ever challenge, with the responsibility and complexity of new roles increasing, whilst still having to perform within an increasingly difficult business environment. This is not me being a doom-monger, but a view endorsed nearly ninety percent of Human Resource professionals in an IMD survey -- a leading European business school. However, 'Your Next Move' can equip the reader with strategies and tools to maximize success in meeting the demands of key career transitions including: promotion; managing former peers; influencing colleagues; joining a new organization; international moves; rescuing a failing organization; and managing diverse business cultures. These are challenges that many of us will likely face at some time in the coming year.
The key to successfully coping with challenges is to adopt the seven elements of managing successful transitions. These include; identifying personal learning needs; establishing priorities; building a leadership team; reviewing organizational structure; securing early wins and creating supportive alliances. Watkins concludes that every major career move revolves around two core challenges; the personal adaptive challenge and organizational change challenge.
The personal adaptive challenge requires a leader to reflect on their own personal development to maximize the prospects of success. This involves enhancing self-awareness of leadership and learning styles, identifying personal strengths and addressing weaknesses. This is in addition to building complementary teams, underpinned by advice networks to offer support. The organizational change challenge revolves around clarifying what you are expected to do within the organization; and achieving it.
Tools such as the FOGLAMP (Focus, Oversight, Goals, Leadership, Abilities, Means and Process) project planning template; and the STARS (Start-up, Turnaround, Accelerated growth, Realignment and Success) organizational analysis are available to offer structure for your plans.
In essence Watkins message is that successful career transitions must be effectively managed rather than relying on "development through Darwinian evolution." Or what I would term as, muddling through and hoping for the best.
o "Your Next Move" by Michael D. Watkins and published by Harvard Business Press.
Keith Appleton JP, BA (Hons), N.Dip.M, MInstLM has extensive experience within an academic, managerial and strategic leadership role. He is a member of the UK Institute of Leadership & Management and can be contacted at KeithAppleton@Hotmail.co.uk.
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