Stepping up or stepping out in 2021
Before the pandemic 33% of us were thinking about making a change to their work. A recent study by https://themakings.com/ showed that this has risen to a whopping 54% who want to change how they work and live to make them happier in life and increase their wellbeing.
So, are you one of the 54% that wants to make a change? Do you want to step up into a new leadership role? Step out, into a new sector or to start your own business?
Do you want to know how to be relevant in this space in 2021, replacing confusion, stress and overwhelm with excitement, optimism and confidence? If this is you read on…
Whatever career transition you would like to embark on one of the best places to start is by asking yourself a series of questions. Here are some great starters:
- What motivates and drives me?
- What am I really good at?
- What support networks do I have in place?
- Where do I lack confidence?
- What makes me unique?
Sit back and look at the questions, what do they tell you?
If you’re looking to step up into a leadership position in your workplace or move into another, having clarity on these will help you own your leadership style and convey this to others at an interview or before. It will help you experiment and test out your ideas or perhaps reimagine or consider something you’d not thought of before.
Most of us can agree that 2020 was an unusual, weird and unbelievable year. It changed the way we work, it changed how we function as a society and it led us to question how our work affects our lives and values. Because of this you may have a niggling worry that now is not the right time to make a change, however if you’re considering it, it most likely is.
Now that 2021 is here – it’s time to reimagine. We – as businesses, individuals and a collective society – have had a chance to look in the mirror and evaluate everything anew. Everyone is in flux. Geography is not the same barrier to opportunity as it was, meaning more companies (and potential roles) are open to us. Also what we are looking for in an employee and a leader has changed. Employees were previously measured by IQ and now their EQ or AQ (adaptability quotient) is really important. There is an opportunity for you if you have strengths in these areas to step up and glow as a leader, or to sell yourself into a new industry with your new eyes and fresh approach.
So, once you have clarity on the key questions and can discuss them confidently, what else should you do to be relevant and beat the competition in 2021?
You want to step up?
- Focus on EQ – be able to demonstrate vulnerability – Brene Brown does a great TED talk on vulnerability https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en
- Be authentic – show transparency – there is lots of reading on this, I find Oprah’s take enlightening
- Be resilient and continue to build it – resilience is the capacity to bounce back when encountering challenges – there is lots of reading on this, something you may not have come across is Be Magic, Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Live and breathe Justice Equality Diversity and Inclusion, be aware of your unconscious bias and challenge yourself Brilliant BBC talk on unconscious bias as a woman http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09pl66d
So you want to step out and start something new?
- Prioritise your vision – create a vision board. In your vision what business are you running? What does your team look like? What do people say about your company and you? How does it make you feel? How much money do you need behind you and why? (If you want to make a change then it’s a good idea to start planning, including looking at finances. You can make a transition and research other careers without quitting your job.)
- Cultivate curiosity – perhaps join a lunch club meeting or subscribe to something new,
- Embrace the possibility of failure (check out @elizabday for inspiration here)
- Draw on your resilience and grit – Angela Duckworth writes eloquently on grit
Sure it will be scary and a huge learning curve but where would you prefer to be in twelve months? Daydreaming about your autonomy or building the life of your dreams. Go on, embrace the spark and take the leap…
Simple right? If you’re shaking your head then you’re not alone – you need a career coach.
A great coach holds the mirror up to you, creates a safe space for you to explore and experiment.
You have chemistry with a great coach – if you’re working with me you’ll believe coaching is a fundamental part of your wellbeing and that you can have fun at work. This is something I know that Lottie agrees with me on – our unstuck podcast episode which you can find here www.vttcoaching.co.uk/podcast is not for the faint hearted! If you’re feeling in need of a pick me up, want to hear personal stories and learnings on navigating career and life transitions have a listen.
As you’ll hear, I like to challenge myself. If it feels exciting, original and bright I want to be in that space. I personally am embracing the move from designer tracksuits to joyful colourful dresses, with bubblegum pinks and vibrant greens brightening up my Zoomscapes. If I sound like your cup of tea (English Breakfast, strong) then get in touch – email vttcoaching@gmail.com or go to www.vttcoaching.co.uk/contact