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Guy Van Wijmeersch
Innovation - Design Strategist | Catalyst| Challenger of the Status Quo | Match Maker | Growth Mindset Passionate about Design, Innovation and Sustainable Inclusive Solutions | Problem Explorer and Solution Implementer.
?? If Only I Had Known Sooner...
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered books, content, and people that profoundly shaped my perspective on many things.
Now reflecting during a career break, I’ve turned to podcasts and books to navigate what’s next. One such book that stands out is Vanessa Gennarelli's Surviving Change at Work. This read is so pivotal that I feel compelled to share it with those beginning their journey in the tech industry, including the eager young minds and the HR professionals guiding them.
?? The Constant of Change
When you step into a tech company—be it a startup, scale-up, or a corporate giant—you must understand that you are entering a world where change is the only constant. Why? Because in tech, the rapid evolution of technology demands innovation and continuous growth. Initially, I learned this the hard way. Yet, as a young professional, I thrived on the pace, the excitement, and yes, even the anxiety. These experiences are where you grow. I had the privilege of shaping my career path broadly, focusing on self-innovation as much as on contributing innovative ideas to the company.
?? Learning from Experience
However, Gennarelli’s book would have laid a better foundation for understanding the multifaceted nature of changes in a tech environment. Her book isn’t just informative; it’s filled with anecdotes and stories from her experiences at places like GitHub, illustrating not just what change entails but how to lead and communicate effectively during turbulent times. Each chapter offers invaluable insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies, empowering individuals to navigate through change successfully and thrive in their careers.
?? A Must-Read for HR in Tech
I urge every HR professional in tech to recommend this book to newcomers in their organizations. It provides a rich context on why change occurs and how understanding it can significantly benefit both the individual and the company. Knowing the context of change enriches the individual’s contribution to the organization’s evolution.
Giving back the 'H' to HR --- Management consultancy and support in the domains of performance, development and engagement --- Data & Tech aficionado.
3 周You've clearly read a game-changing book, Guy — thanks for sharing! And it is not surprising that the author has a background in instructional design. It all begins with recruitment: identifying a candidate’s adaptability, learning agility, and openness to change. That’s HR’s responsibility in supporting fast-moving businesses. However, finding these qualities isn’t always straightforward. Yes, we can foster a culture of experimentation—not to be confused with a "fail fast" mentality—there are many ways to strengthen this mindset. But what matters most to me is this: in a fast-paced yet often chaotic business environment—where serendipity sparks innovation but decisive action is crucial—employees shouldn't waste time on irrelevant tasks or searching for the right information. That drains innovation, speed, and motivation. HR plays a critical role in bringing structure to the chaos by ensuring managers and departments provide clarity on roles, rewards, career growth, job design, evaluations, .... In dynamic settings, having the right, up-to-date knowledge readily available is key to sustaining agility and success. PS. Link doesn't work, this one does: https://abookapart.com/products/surviving-change-at-work.html