Be the main character to build a successful career

  What you will read here:

• Why does protagonism/leadership and power of choice make a difference in your career?
• Self-knowledge as a tool for protagonism
• The role of companies in the empowerment of their people

In this moment of reflecting on the so-called “new normal”, it is natural that the discussion about the future of work intensifies even more. In recent months, the digital transformation in companies has been driven by the inevitability of social isolation and the consequent increase in the need for remote work. This scenario has put work routines in check, challenged the performance of the leaders and promoted reflections on the development of careers. But how can professionals handle so many changes and uncertainties? 

To try to draw your professional horizon in fast times like those established by digital, the first step is to understand that, increasingly, the "individual = me" is not dissociated from the "position = me". After all, what happens at work directly impacts all aspects of personal life and vice-versa. Everything you learn, even that weekend hobby, influences the construction of your personality, and so does your career. Your journey is composed of countless daily personal and professional practices that add up to who you are.

The second step deals with the power of questioning. The basis of our basic education is a teaching model that points out as the best student who memorizes formulas and responds at the right time. However, we see that, in the digital age, more than having ready answers, it is necessary to have a critical capacity to question what is considered to be true. Lean management philosophy- which is the foundation of our company - teaches us that nothing is untouchable. Continuous improvement involves searching for the whys, and for asking the right questions. 

Here, we understand the importance of protagonism and the role of the power of choice in our career. The passive “me”, attached to a predefined model of professional advancement, which performs determined activities in the way assumed until then and defensively receives negative feedback, without really listening and without seeking to participate actively, has no place in the dynamics of current work. Problems and issues to improve will always exist when the idea is to evolve. The question is, how do you deal with it?

Being a protagonist is precisely taking responsibility for our choices in the face of opportunities and adversities. It means to face each problem as if it were gold, each feedback - whether positive or negative - as a gift and see that even difficult situations can be a stimulus to grow as a person and as a professional. After all, we have the ability to choose the answer that we will present to each challenge.

In this new scenario, career management becomes an individual thing. Then, in addition to preparing yourself professionally, it is necessary to develop a mentality of continuous learning, to be restless, to question, to seek self-knowledge and to search for your purposes. On the other hand, the company's role is to support each person in these reflections, to give more autonomy, to keep a transparent dialogue and to leave behind the paternalistic culture of people management.

The future of what we do 

According to a projection presented by the World Economic Forum, 65% of children currently attending the first year of elementary school will work in completely new activities, which do not yet exist. But the rapid changes are already being felt by those in the current market: 35% of the skills considered important in the current workforce will become something else in five years. However, as we often emphasize, the more technological the world becomes, the more the human factor will matter. 

Although all these movements are clear, many and many professionals still have a myopic view that the more they do something in the same way, the more specialists they will become. Repetition, in fact, makes perfect. But, in a world in motion, it is necessary to pay attention to the new possibilities, the new needs and the new techniques that appear all the time. What good does it do, for example, to be a perfect CD maker when the whole market is going for streaming music? It is necessary to evolve, following your surroundings.

If we look at it, most people and companies define themselves - even today - based on what they produce, what they do. This attitude allows both professionals and companies to become obsolete. So don't fall in love with what you do, but with the benefit generated by your work, the value you deliver. Detach yourself from the specialist and reinforce the apprentice. 

The horizons of growth

To really become the protagonist of your career, the process of empowerment must start with self-knowledge. In the connection exercises with yourself, identify your values, strengths, purpose and aspirations. 

Check how these ideals converge with what you have been performing in your work, at the company you work for. And answer: are you happy to be part of this company? Can you imagine your evolution in this organization? How does this relate to your life’s purpose? These are some of the reflections proposed by Taliza Weiss, our People Development Strategist.

Then, it is necessary to seek improvement beyond the boundaries of your role. When you always perform the same tasks and live with the same people, going to the same places, possibly you will always come to the same solutions. That’s why we encourage each person to seek more knowledge, be curious about new worlds and subjects. 

This happens, of course, with companies that embrace diversity. Inspiring diversified environments, with different people and realities, is essential to produce unique solutions and explore new possibilities. This is a point that deserves to be highlighted. And, especially today, with the need for remote work, human contact has been left in the background. Leaders are responsible for promoting exchange meetings and virtual chats so that the diversity of ideas keeps on going around. 
And, at this moment, it is also up to each person to reinforce their role, being more active in the search for personal evolution. It is necessary to activate leaders and colleagues, and seek feedback more often. Find a safe place to talk about your doubts and concerns in this new environment and be available to help those who need it. Making colleagues and leaders your allies is an excellent way to achieve the necessary learnings.

The role of companies in empowerment

Many companies still rely on a hierarchy that requires management, senior leadership to set goals, delegate functions, and professionals from other layers to carry them out. In fact, most organizations have been successful with these structures for years. However, this is no longer enough. 

To make an impact, you need to have a purpose and let go of these outdated  management models. And purpose should not be linked to prestige, reputation or profitability, but to building and sharing value. An organization with purpose mobilizes and engages people.

And this is a fundamental point, although intangible: purpose is a great motivating tool, especially for young talents. We are facing a generation that is looking for a company that will help make a difference in the world, not just receive the salary at the end of the month. 

We must keep it in mind, a company is not built, we build a team, and that team builds the company. Guided by this thought, the message for companies and leaders is: attract and encourage professionals who cultivate the same ideals as your company. Provide collaborative and stimulating environments that promote exchange, respect, autonomy and freedom. This way, you will have an intelligent company, capable of generating business with great results and causing positive impacts on the lives of your customers.

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