Like many of you, I’m working remotely. A few years ago, doing so, would have meant giving up business. Not anymore.
So, last week, between major snowstorms, we packed up the car, grabbed the dog, and drove to Florida. I’m glad we did, as the change in perspective has been good for me. I had lots of time on our 21-hour drive to think about my business and what I’m going to be doing differently this year.
When’s the last time you took time out to work on your business or your career?
This month is the perfect time to review your business or career goals through a new lens.
We’ve all been on a wild ride these past few years, where the focus has been on survival.
People keep talking about when we get to the new normal, but from where I sit, this IS the new normal.
The sooner you make peace with this, the better.
Business owners or executives
If you’re a business owner or an executive, then it’s time to come to terms with the current labor market. This labor shortage thing isn’t going away anytime soon.
U.S. unemployment is currently at 4.5% which is basically full employment. Companies are finding it next to impossible to hire new employees, while they also face the highest “quits” rate in decades. They are having to play offense and defense at the same time, struggling to fill a near-record 11 million openings while also holding on to existing workers.
All of this can feel overwhelming. The best way to work through overwhelm is by taking action.
Hit the delete button on the talent plan you have sitting on your hard drive and come up with a new talent strategy—one that works for the here and now.
Start by asking yourself where you want your business to be a few years from now.
Then, think about where you currently are.
Note: Here’s where you need to be completely honest with yourself, as some of us tend to think we’re much further along than we are.
Then work backwards.
Consider the following questions:
- What do you need in terms of human resources to achieve your goals?
- How likely is your current staff to remain with you?
- What specific steps are you taking to retain staff?
- What are you doing to ensure your candidate pipeline is full?
- Do you have the right talent on board or is it time to reshuffle the deck?
- Do you have a detailed plan for securing talent or are you simply winging it?
Employees who are managing their careers
Some of you have already begun thinking about your next job move while others are still contemplating whether to make a move. Tons of job opportunities are currently available, as unemployment numbers remain at an all-time low. However, no one knows for sure how long this will be the case.
Now is the time to go for what you want. Some of you may be able to achieve your hopes and dreams with your current employer, while others may need to switch companies.
Here are some questions to consider as you think about your career:
- Have you made it known to your boss the direction you’d like to take your career in? If so, what kind of support is your manager providing you to help you get where you want to go.
- What’s your plan to ensure the next promotion goes to you?
- Are you aware of what the market rate is for someone with your skills and experience, and is your compensation still competitive?
- Are your resume and LinkedIn profile updated so that you’re ready to apply should a new opportunity come along that is perfectly suited for you?
- Are you reconnecting with people in your network and remaining top of mind?
It’s hard to know how well you’re doing in your business and your career when you’re working in isolation, which is why business owners join peer groups or people have advisors or coaches on speed dial. Surrounding yourself with individuals who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear, is the quickest route towards growth.
Here’s to you having a wildly successful 2022 and if I can be of any help to you, simply ask.
