Maximise your Career Growth in this era of Hybrid Working: Tips & Strategies
I recently attended a really interesting webinar on Career Development in this new era of hybrid working. (Thanks for the great insights Christine Maloney!).
It got me thinking about tips and strategies we can all use to maximise our career potential in this new world of work.
The big word used during this webinar was ‘Intentional’, which I 100% agree with.
We need to be more intentional about managing our career in a hybrid world. Not that we didn’t before, but it’s now more important than ever.
So much has changed in the world of work over the past three years.
We’ve moved from linear careers and career paths to more dynamic careers and career portfolios. From retiring to working longer. From chasing roles to chasing skills and from specialist skills to transferable, in demand and critical skills.
The challenges of hybrid or remote working for our career progression have also been spoken about - from lack of visibility to decision makers, less informal sources of job information to feeling less connected and out of sight meaning out of mind!
But they also bring opportunities - better work life balance, more efficient use of time, increased career opportunities by being able to make an impact from anywhere.
So, what does all this mean for us and what tips and strategies can we use if we want to make the most of our career in a hybrid/remote world?
Here are some of my thoughts, building on the insights from the webinar I attended:
1. Increase your sphere of awareness
This is all about lifting your head up from what’s immediately in front of you and being aware of what’s going on around you.
How connected are you to colleagues, to your People Leader, to their Leader, to your key stakeholders? What level of visibility to you have with each of these groups?
There are a number of ways you can do this. One important action is to make sure to have regular career conversations with your people leader. These are opportunities to step outside of the functional task meeting and talk about your career goals, get feedback on your performance and look for ways in which your people leader can support you.
Another action is to find ways to share the work you are involved in. You never know how useful an insight or piece of knowledge you have can be to a key stakeholder. And how they may repay the favour by sharing something relevant to you.
2. Prioritise continuous learning
The pace of change in today's workforce requires us all to adopt a mindset of continuous learning. Take advantage of online learning platforms, attend virtual workshops and conferences, and pursue relevant certifications to stay updated with industry trends and enhance your skill set.
And it needn’t be something that takes a few months to complete. Take your learning in ‘micro’ bursts. This can often be a more time efficient way to build it into your schedule.
3. Take the initiative
This quote is as true today as it was in 1996.
“Nobody owes you a career. Your career is literally your business. You own it as a sole proprietor. You have one employee - yourself. You need to accept ownership of your career, your skills and the timing of your moves. It is your responsibility to protect this personal business of yours from harm to position it to benefit from changes in the environment. ”
So can you reframe your thinking about your career with this quote in mind? How could you take the initiative if you think of your career as your own business?
Would you be more assertive about stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking on that additional project, trying something new or taking a chance on a new qualification?
Or would you be more inclined to make a bold move?
Take the initiative by embracing change. Be open to trying new technologies and continuously assess and adjust your career goals and strategies to align with the evolving demands of the hybrid workplace.
4. Career readiness is more important than expertise
How often do we miss out on opportunities or don’t apply for roles because we feel we don’t have the expertise?
Career readiness comes from proactively managing your career so that you are ready to take that opportunity when it comes. Employers value candidates who possess the right blend of technical expertise and soft skills, making career readiness a key differentiator in the job market.
It enables us to navigate the complexities of the workplace, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to our organizations.
5. Hone your communication skills
Effective communication is essential in any work environment, but it becomes even more critical in hybrid settings where face-to-face interactions are limited.
An effective communicator is one who is engaged, considerate, and really listens to the other person; taking the time to ask questions and respond accordingly. When they speak, they are clear, confident, and gracious in their interactions.
Sharpening your communication skills, such as writing clear and concise emails, mastering video conferencing etiquette, and actively participating in virtual meetings, can help you stand out and advance in your career.
In conclusion, navigating the new era of hybrid work requires a proactive and intentional approach to career growth.
By embracing change, honing communication skills, prioritising continuous earning, seeking feedback and mentorship, staying agile and adaptable, we can maximize our career growth opportunities and thrive in the hybrid work environment.
Need help developing your career growth plan to help you set the course for continued growth? Reach out for your free call. I’d love to chat to see we could be a good fit working together.
