Future Proof Your Career

Are you afraid that your job will be disrupted? Not because you have a bad attitude, its business actually. Your job may be relocated to Ireland or your Canadian boss’s friend wants to work in Asia, and she can do your job.

Chinese painting at the National Gallery of a typical market in Singapore depicting a fruit seller with coconuts and various types of local bananas. We hardly see these fruit hawkers anymore. A life disrupted.

According to global research by coauthors Willyerd (coauthor, The 2020 Workplace) and Mistick (president, Wilson Coll.), the concern is widespread.

The megatrends shaping tomorrow’s workplace will require new skill sets. The book outlines five key strategies we need.

1. Learn on the fly.
CCL uses a 70-20-10 model, 70% of learning happens informally on the job, 20% through relationships with mentors, managers or coach and 10% from formal courses or training.

2. Have an open mindset
Constant learning is better than mastery.

3. You need options
Build a diverse network, connect to people who can help your future.

4. Be greedy about seeking out experiences

Look Sideways
I enjoy the practical stretch breaks recommended in the book esp p137, “look sideways”. 
1. Volunteer for a non profit to get different experience.
2. Ask for a short term assignment
3. Work with your employer to host a hackaton and build a software based product.
4. Express yourself. Tap into your other interests. Learn bl9gging skills by writing about food or your favourite city.
5. Extend your presentation skills as an adjunct at your local college.
6. Give a brown bag talk on a topic or ideas you yourself would like to learn more about.

5. Bounce forward
Dont bounce back, bounce forward. Celebrate your little success with friends!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.

And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”

Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

The authors’ research was sponsored by Oxford Economics and SAP (Systems Applications Products) and includes their megatrend analysis as well.

Stretch: How to Future-Proof Yourself for Tomorrow’s Workplace