Pivoting is Not Quitting
We hear a lot about "pivoting" these days. Whether it's in response to a global pandemic or systemic bias, sometimes the only way to move forward is to make a change.
In business and career life, pivoting is defined as a strategic change in direction. This could mean anything from changing your product offering to shifting your target market. Sometimes, pivoting is essential for survival. Other times, it's simply a matter of adapting to changing market conditions or arbitrary barriers. But in all cases, pivoting is a choice.
There are countless examples of businesses and individuals that have successfully pivoted in response to adversity. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, many restaurants had to pivot from dine-in service to take-out and delivery to stay afloat. Others shifted their focus from B2C to B2B, or vice versa.
Of course, pivoting isn't always easy. It can be difficult and scary to make such a major change, especially if you're not sure it will pay off. But remember: pivoting is not quitting. It's simply an adaptive coping skill that can help you overcome challenges and emerge stronger than before.
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Pivoting Around Systemic Bias
Systemic bias is a problem that exists in nearly every industry. From education to employment, women and minorities have long been underrepresented and underserved. The effects of patriarchy, racism, and other forms of discrimination are deep-rooted and far-reaching. Challenging these systems requires courage, tenacity, and a willingness to pivot.
For women and minorities in particular, pivoting around systemic bias may mean changing the way we work, live, and lead. It could mean starting our own businesses, creating our own opportunities, and speaking up for ourselves and others. It definitely means that we mentor and sponsor each other, and lift each other up. It also means that we have each other's backs, because we know that together, we are stronger.
If you're feeling stuck or frustrated in your career, don't be afraid to pivot. There are many different paths to success, and sometimes the only way to find them is to forge your own. In a world that is finally starting to reckon with systemic bias, pivoting is not an option, it's a necessity. Backlash is inevitable, but so is progress. It's important to recognize that you will not be accepted by a system that you're trying to change. You don't need their approval to succeed. Just keep pivoting until you get to where you want to be.
Your background, gender, ethnicity, or any other characteristic does not determine your destiny. You do. So go out there and make some noise. The world needs your voice. As more and more people become aware of systemic bias, businesses are under pressure to make changes. This could mean anything from increasing diversity in the workplace to reevaluating hiring and promotion practices. It's important to remember that making these changes is essential for creating a more just and equitable society.?
??Cybersecurity / Career Job Search Mentor @George Mason University / Chief Information Security Officer / Collaborator / Fierce Female award from Women-in-Tech organization / Seeking cybersecurity adventure??
2 年It is sad that bias exists in the workplace. I want to highlight two sentences of an extremely well-written article that should be required reading for young professionals. It definitely means that we mentor and sponsor each other, and lift each other up. It also means that we have each other's backs, because we know that together, we are stronger. I add: Don't be afraid to ask for help.