Becoming the Adaptable, Flexible You.

In my last post, I made the case that adaptability and flexibility are the keys in a tough job market and global economy. The question then becomes "How does one gain these skills", or "Can these skills even be learned?" First, an emphatic yes to the question of whether these skills can be learned. Even if you've never thought of yourself as "the creative type" or thought much about your thinking (critical or otherwise), you can definitely strengthen these muscles.

As to how to gain these skills here are some suggestions:

• Do puzzles that make you think critically (Sudoku, crosswords, analytical problem solving)
• Try to solve logic puzzles (if you do a web search you'll come up with a few. I recently picked up a book at Barnes & Noble full of problems that force you to think "outside the box")
• Think of an issue, determine the side that appeals to you, and then defend the other position (this one is particularly fun with friends)
• When presented with an issue or problem ask "Why" about 3-4 times, forcing yourself to think through deeper and deeper levels (ex: Country X was recently attacked by Country B. Why? Because B hates X. Why? Because many years ago Country X invaded Country B. Why? and so forth. Don't be satisfied with the first, simple answer).
• Read about emerging technologies (use some time surfing the web to learn about the newest technologies that are being used. Try to stay abreast of the technologies that could impact you or your workplace. This may also be a place where you can discover something that will benefit you or your workplace).
• Be curious.
• Take advantage of workshops, special interest classes, and professional development opportunities that are outside of your normal line of work (remember we're trying to be adaptable and flexible, so if possible take advantage of opportunities that aren't directly related to your current work, but that can provide you with useful, transferable skills.)
• Utilize your local community college (community colleges have historically been on the forefront of workforce training and development. Seek them out for classes that can help you gain skills that will make you more adaptable, flexible (and therefore more hireable) in these tough economic times.

These are but a few suggestions. The real key in these trying times is make yourself as marketable as possible. The more skill sets you possess, the more you're able to situate yourself to weather the economic storm.
What did you think of my suggestions? Do you have others? Let's get the discussion started!

Hope Harris-Gayles, M.Ed

In a Tough Job Market Adaptability and Flexibility are Key

Today, it was announced that the National Bureau of Economic Research has determined that the US economy is officially in a recession. That news is actually not news at all to millions of Americans. In recent months, southern Virginia has faced a fresh wave of plant closings and lay-offs. In these tough economic times, discouragement and fear loom large.It may seem like you're at the mercy of uncontrollable forces. This, however, is not the case. The two best assets you can possess to help you weather the storm are adaptability and flexibility.

The model of an employee staying with a single company until retirement is outdated. The reality is that most people will have 7-10 different careers in their lifetime. Globalization and technology has leveled the playing field not just for people in your region or state, but for the world. You are no longer just competing against John from City A; you're now competing with John from City A, Kenneth from State B, and Helen from Country X. Now, more than ever, it's important that you have the skills and knowledge that will allow you to adapt to new situations quickly. You also have to be flexible enough to take what made you successful yesterday and put it aside. Most people think of the need for computer skills--and certainly if you do not have them you definitely need them. But there's also the need to think creatively and critically, and to be open to new ideas and methods. 

Ok, I need to be flexible, you may be saying. "But how do I get that? Where do you learn to be adaptable?" The answer to that, my friends, will come in my next post. 

Hope Harris-Gayles, M.Ed