Your Guide to Career Transformation

Welcome to This Month's Newsletter on Career Transformation!

Hello, genius! In this month’s edition, we’re diving into the world of career transformation. Whether you’re bouncing back from a layoff, stepping into a new role or aiming for a new leadership level, this topic is for you. Below are some tips for navigating these scenarios and using them to drive your career growth.

COMMON CAREER SITUATION #1: TURNING A LAYOFF INTO A SPRINGBOARD

A layoff can be a jarring experience, but it also presents an opportunity for reflection and strategic redirection. No matter what your scenario there needs to be some time to process so you can engage with building this next chapter with an eye towards your future vs. getting stuck in what could or should have been. Take this time to:

• Clarify your purpose: Get connected to what you want your life to be about so you can focus on work that aligns with your current needs AND long-term goals.
• Align your resume and LinkedIn profile: Package your experience and talent so that it demonstrates your most relevant skills and experiences to the jobs that appeal to you most.
• Connect with others: Reach out to your contacts and explore potential opportunities. It can be tough to admit that your recent job ended. Please know you're not the only one that's experienced a lay off in their career. It's more common than you may think and there are people who want to help.
• Invest in upskilling or reskilling: Identify areas where you can enhance your skillset to increase your marketability. If you have the time and resources, it's not a bad idea to add to your certifications. Even if finances are tight, there's a whole host of free information available that can assist you in common skill builders such as communication and technical savvy.
• Consider career counseling: A professional career coach can provide valuable guidance and support. Check out our online program, "Your Career on Purpose Program." Many of our community members going through a lay off have found the program useful in structuring their strategy, time and approach when springboarding from a layoff. They've also found it helpful in enabling them to process the emotional impact this event has had on them.

COMMON CAREER SITUATION #2: EVOLVING YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLE

Starting a new role, even within the same organization, requires a strategic approach. And it's important to recognize what's often referred to as a promotion is, in fact, a new position. To ensure a smooth transition, focus on:

• Clearly understanding expectations: Have open conversations with your manager about roles, responsibilities and performance metrics. Don't assume that a promotion is just a title change.
• Building relationships: Spend time 1-1 with your new direct reports and understand what they see as priorities, challenges and opportunities. Also, explore what they are looking for from you as a leader. Understand what the key areas of trust are that need to be built between you, the team, leadership and stakeholders.
• Getting broader understaning: Actively solicit feedback form cross-functional peers and team members to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for collaboration. The first 30-90 days of a new leadership role are critical for demonstrating that you've taken in what the current state is and how others are experiencing challenges and opportunities.
• Identifying critical decisions: Determine what is the right pacing and important issues that you need to begin addressing and making an impact on. New leadership roles are a balance of knowing how to respect the current state and starting to impact the furture state.
• Explore our executive presence program: Consider our online program, "Executive Presence on Purpose Program." The course delves into more than how to structure what you present and ensure you're intentional about what kind of impact you want to make as a leader.

COMMON CAREER SITUATION #3: EXPANDING YOUR EXPERTISE

Continuous learning and development are critical for career advancement. Even if you've found the role that is ideal for you, you should ensure you stay competitive in your field and keep your expertise best in class. To do this, focus on:

• Invest in your strengths: Identify development that can enhance your ability to do what you already love and have developed an expertise in. We often overlook what's working well for us, but fine tuning and modernizing what we do well is what makes us shine. It also helps us carve out a career based on what brings us energy and feeds our passion.
• Identify blocker development opportunities: Get functional expertise in areas that may be holding you back due to your lack of proficiency or natural interest in the topic. You don't need to obsess over or become an expert in the areas that you're not naturally drawn to. However, you don't want them to become detractors from whay you want to do.
• Leverage available resources: Get to know what development options and resources that your company or organization offer. Take advantage if they offer mentoring programs, online resources or coaching on the job. Reach out to your human resource contact to determine who are the best people to contact for exploring opportunities.
• Propose your development strategy: Put together a business case for development that the organization could invest in you. It should include what impact you would make with this new knowledge that would provide a return on investment.
• Develop your professional skills: Elevate your ability to influence change on the job. Consider attending our "Leading Meetings on Purpose Program." The primary way others experience us on the job is through the interactions we have during meetings. Whether you are in charge of facilitating meetings or want to be intentional about how you engage as an attendee, this program can elevate your game.

There are other career transformation opportunities that may include working at a new company, leaping into a new career field or taking on new responsibilities. The above tips can help you in those areas as well. If you have questions or would like to chat about our programs or coaching services, please reach out to support@onpurposelearningprograms.com or schedule a free consultation meeting at https://calendly.com/hmacarthur-onpurposelearningprograms/30min.

Happy transforming!