Reinventing Yourself in the Workplace

In today’s marketplace, no one stays in the same job or industry for their entire career. Especially during these challenging times as we navigate through the post-pandemic, it is important to find ways to reinvent yourself.

Reinventing yourself is not changing who you are or your personality, it is drawing upon all your experiences and skills, the good, the bad, the successes and failures. It is tapping into insights and expertise and adding to them. By regularly reinventing yourself you add new skills, will be challenged, and will be more likely to remain happy and fulfilled.

Due to the pandemic, unemployment has skyrocketed, but there are many jobs available in the Magic Valley. If you have found yourself in this situation, check out job boards, including the Chamber’s website. You may have to take a couple of steps backward on the career path to rebuild and grow your career again.

Re-inventing yourself is not difficult, it starts with curiosity and desire to continue to learn and grow. Some ways to re-invent yourself include:

 Adaptability & Flexibility

  • If you are one who unfortunately lost your job take on contract roles to keep your skills relevant.
  • Adjusting to change in the workplace, taking on new tasks, and being willing to let go of the sacred cows. The sacred cows are the traditions that people are not willing to let go of because it has always been done that way.
  • Telecommuting isn’t for everyone. During the pandemic, many have been forced to work from home. Being able to show your employer that you can adapt in a crisis and continue to be productive increases your value as an employee.

Connect with people who inspire you.

  • The power of networking and relationship building is huge. As you seek to enhance your current skills or want to add to your repertoire of skills be sure to take the time to attend networking events. Many of these are held after business hours like the Chamber’s Business After Hours. The value you gain by making meaningful relationships is worth the time and effort.
  • Make a goal to connect with at least one new person once a month. These connections can provide you with the guidance you need and help discover new ideas and discovers your strengths.

Creativity & Innovation

  • Creative thinking is an important skill. This is thinking outside the box to solve problems.
  • Employers value creative thinkers as they contribute innovative ideas to help make the business stand out.
  • Being creative is also being willing to take risks, embrace failure, and to see failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.

     During this pandemic, it has been wonderful to see how people and businesses have been creative to attract customers and keep their business open. Creative thinking is finding new ways to improve existing processes, adding new services and value for consumers, and even just finding ways to be more productive with your job duties. When it comes to creativity there is no right or wrong way. The simplest creative idea can make a huge impact. Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Leadership

  • Being a leader starts with you. This means being able to lead yourself. Being a go-getter, a self-starter shows employers that you have initiative.
  • Remember being a leader is not based on job title, it is the person who inspires others as you work together towards a common goal.
  • Being a good leader also means that you have good communication skills and are confident in your decisions and accountable.

 

Commit to lifelong learning

  • Curiosity is a wonderful trait. Master new skills by reading books, learning from mentors, and taking classes.

I am constantly reading professional development books. Your curiosity doesn’t always have to be on skills you already have. If you have a hobby or desire to learn a new skill, why not research it and do some learning? One of my favorite mentors and leader earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry. Yet his passion and hobby were with technology and he ended up turning that passion into his career leading the curriculum development department into virtual online learning long before there were the cloud and the technologies we use today.

  • Volunteer – Another way to add to your skillset and connect with people is to volunteer on boards of directors or various committees.
  • Obtain accreditation and certifications.

We live in a world where technology continues to evolve and change. Learn what additional certifications and accreditations will help you in your job.

Reinventing ourselves is a lifelong process. Remember it is our experiences that shape us and we discover new skills and talents and find life more fulfilling when we continue to learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to try new things, you never know what you will discover about yourself and the growth and opportunities that will come your way because of your curiosity.

Cheryl Viola, MBA, Executive Director

References

How to reinvent yourself at work and have more influence. (2018, June 6). Retrieved from https://www.rewireme.com/career-business/how-to-reinvent-yourself-at-work-and-have-more-influence/

Kelly, J. (2020, April 29). 6 outside-of-The box ideas to find a job or stay relevant post COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/04/29/6-outside-of-the-box-ideas-to-find-a-job-or-stay-relevant-post-covid-19/#663c62e6e979

Marr, B. (2020, April 17). 8 job skills to succeed in a post-coronavirus world. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2020/04/17/8-job-skills-to-succeed-in-a-post-coronavirus-world/#2324049b2096