Career Planning in the Age of Uncertainty

Another extraordinary year has come to a close – and by all indications, we may be in for another one. Continued Covid concerns. Supply chain woes. Shallow labor pools for deep talent needs. Disruptive technology. Unusual climate events. Geopolitical concerns. It all points to another year (or perhaps future) in which uncertainty is the only certain thing we can count on.

While many employees have joined the ‘great resignation’, others have stayed, weathering the storm, waiting for the turbulence to pass, the confusion to clear, and predictability to return. But even the most steady and steadfast among us are coming to the conclusion that it’s time to take a clear-eyed look at what ‘career’ means in today’s whacky workplace – and how to move forward to create the experience of growth, engagement, and satisfaction they desire despite the uncertainty.

Career outcomes used to be clear and defined. We created plans that led to new titles, positions, moves, and promotions. But in today’s more volatile and less hierarchical organizations, this may not be as certain as it once was. (And let’s be honest…those steps up are looking a lot less desirable to many. Climbing today’s corporate ladder comes with a lot more challenges, stress, hours, and risk – frequently without the compensation that compensates for it.)

That’s why many ambitious (and befuddled) professionals are asking: Without the traditional outcomes – a targeted next role, prescribed pathways, or promotions – what does career development look like today? When conditions change before the ink is even dry on the page, how can we make plans for a relevant and meaningful career?

"Uncertainty, when accepted, sheds a bright light on the power of intention. That is what you can count on: not the outcome, but the motivation you bring, the vision you hold, the compass setting you choose to follow."

-Joanna Macy

The answer may rest upon something less tangible – but more powerful – than the traditional ‘outcome’ or trappings of career development: our intentions, motivations, and vision for our work. So, as you begin your 2022 planning, consider these three intentions that will help you use the uncertainty to thrive.

Find ways to add value.

The challenges and sheer complexity facing most organizations right now create an environment in which?opportunities to add value are ubiquitous. And the simple intention to do so can trigger a range of developmental and career-supporting outcomes.

You’ll enhance your strategic mindset as you learn to discern where and how to add value. You’ll gain a keener understanding of the organization’s priorities and customer needs. You’ll discover the levers that address problems, streamline processes, and enhance satisfaction. You’ll likely expand your network. And you’ll distinguish yourself, building a reputation as a difference-maker while likely experiencing greater meaning in your work.

Double-down on human skills.

With so much talk about digital transformation, automation, and AI, it’s easy to be lulled into believing that futureproofing one’s career means tying oneself to technology. And while for some, that’s the answer, for others the key is to focus on what differentiates us from machines – and that’s human skills. Communication, empathy, collaborating, team building, influencing – these are just a few of the high-impact skills that will be necessary and valued no matter what the future brings. And setting the intention to invest in developing them today will create opportunities tomorrow.

Focus on what you want to do versus what you want to be.

There are no guarantees in organizations today – and let’s face it, there haven’t been for some time. You can check all the right boxes, do all the right things, and that next big break or promotion may still not come along. As Joanna Macy’s quote highlights, we can’t count on the outcomes.

So, instead of focusing on what you want to be – the role, title, or position – turn your attention toward what you want to do. What can your job do for you… rather than the other way around? Maybe you want to better align work with your values. Or build your network and feel more connected. Or test your capacity with next-level challenges. Or take on greater responsibility. Or build your confidence. You don’t have to wait to assume another role to make these things happen. You just need to set the intention to discover and take action on what you really want to do – then watch the growth and opportunities that follow.

Uncertainty is synonymous with today’s business environment. But clear intentions can offer the sense of grounded stability we need despite swirling conditions and unpredictable outcomes. How will you develop your career in 2022? What’s your intention?

Want more insights about career development in this age of uncertainty? Download this?sample chapter from my new book,?Promotions Are So Yesterday: Redefine Career Development – Help Employees Thrive , scheduled for release 3-8-22 by ATD Press.

This post was originally published on?SmartBrief.

Michelle Tillis Lederman , one of Forbes Top 25 Networking Experts, is the author of four books including the internationally known,?The 11 Laws of Likability , and?The Connectors Advantage . Michelle is a connection creator and CEO of?Executive Essentials , which provides customized communications and leadership programs for fortune 500, non-profit, university, and government clients. A former finance executive and NYU Professor, Michelle is a regular in the media appearing on NBC, CBS, Fox, NPR, the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, CNBC, and others. An accomplished speaker, trainer, author and coach, Michelle is known for helping people work better together and advance their individual impact.

With a record-breaking number of people either out of work or transitioning to remote work, connections―particularly diverse and inclusive connections―are more important than ever. Expanding your connections and being an inclusive Connector is critical to attaining faster, easier, and better results, especially when job hunting, reentering the workforce, or reimagining your current role in the wake of the pandemic.

And even if you are already a Connector,?The Connector's Advantage ?will help you take it up a level.

Want to start connecting? Host a book club!?Michelle will partner directly with you to make your club robust and successful; from providing micro-lessons, seeder questions, or for larger clubs, a free, live author Q&A. Michelle is even signing books for members with a?special offer . Not only do you have the opportunity to connect directly with Michelle, but you can also host your own?The Connector’s Advantage?Book Club ?community for?The Connector’s Advantage.

I had the pleasure of joining Jonathan Hodge and Christine DiDonato of Advantage Performance Group to share new trends and best practices in career development and why it matters more today than ever before.?(View the full discussion here. )?

And mark your calendar for March 8 at 9:00 PT for a special?Promotions Are So Yesterday?launch day webinar hosted by APG. Stay tuned for more details and how to register.

Thanks for reading. Until next time.?

Julie