Getting your player ready...
Does your current position offer the same level of challenge, recognition, and career satisfaction as it once did? Are you seeing signs it is time for a career change?
Don’t let current market volatility discourage you from taking an active role in creating a plan for your continuing career growth. Before you decide to make a career move, though, take an honest inventory of your current circumstances. If you identify strongly with one or more of these signs, then it may be time to develop a smart strategy for your next move.
1. No opportunity for growth or challenge. Your boss has made it clear you have topped out in the company, or has suddenly stopped supporting your growth.
2. A radical shift in company values. You once fit in well with the culture and values of the company. Recently however, you have been asked to do things that lack integrity.
3. There is a new sheriff in town. Rapid changes in the executive team have occurred. New leadership is consistently replacing employees with their own team, and there does not appear to be room for incumbents, even top performers.
4. Centralization of authority. Despite enjoying a level of authority in the past and producing consistent results, you no longer have the level of strategic input over your functional area that is required to be effective.
5. Lack of accountability in the organization. A sudden drop in standards has eroded the company’s reputation. You have voiced your concerns, but it seems no one shares your perception.
6. Refusal to innovate or meet the changes of the market. Your company is no longer the leader in its industry and frequently loses sales to the competition.
7. Lack of strategic vision. A once decisive management team seems to have lost their way. Decision-making has become slow or ineffective and employees are no longer engaged.
If you recognize one or more of these signs, see what can be done to improve circumstances. It is important to determine if there are hidden opportunities behind the changes you are observing.
If you decide to address current circumstances, it is critical to use your best judgment and tact in communicating your concerns. Becoming too aggressive or overly critical is likely to backfire and bring about a demotion, or worse, an unwanted termination.
Identify likely allies who will listen with an open mind to your constructive suggestions. Be prepared to listen to critical feedback of your own performance, which may have been negatively affected by the stress of dealing with the changing work environment.
Finally, be honest about your ability to deliver your best performance under circumstances that may have become toxic. Move forward with a thoughtful, discreet strategic plan for identifying opportunities beyond your current company.
Make your next career move based on an honest assessment of your strengths, and carefully research the reputation and culture of your next company. That way your next move will be one that ensures the right fit for you and your employer.
