MASTER CLASS middle management
A few simple philosophies I have lived by in the last 12 months:
WHENEVER YOU WALK OUT THE DOOR, ALWAYS, ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO MEET YOUR NEXT EMPLOYER OR BUSINESS PARTNER. I am not saying dress in a suit everyday, however do think about your appearance - you just never know who you are going to run into at the supermarket, a party, or school. New Zealand is a small place and it does seem to be two degrees of separation.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK! Build and maintain your professional networks, stay in touch with previous employers, employees and clients. Whether it be via email, telephone or social networking (Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter). Don't just say lets have a coffee – actually have that coffee with someone. We are a society of always saying 'We must catch up', however we never do this.
FRONTFOOT EVERYTHING. Don't wait for things to come to you, or people to return your calls, only you are in control of your life, only you can make things happen, only you can get that dream job. In the war for talent we tend to think that the next job will come to us, however that's not always the case. Don't take second best. If you do find yourself in the wrong job, wrong culture, its best to fail fast and move on.
SUBSCRIBE TO ONLINE NEWSLETTERS THAT WILL KEEP YOU UP-TO-DATE WITH INDUSTRY NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS. Read relevant articles, newspapers, magazines and surf the Internet to keep your knowledge up-to-date. Join relevant professional associations and attend networking groups.
SEEK OUT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WHILE ON LEAVE (IF YOU HAVE TIME!). There may be opportunities that revolve around your children. Use these opportunities to keep your skills current. These types of activities will expand your social and business network, and keep you up-to-date on industry developments. Volunteer work is an ideal way to maintain work experience while on parental leave.
CONSIDER PROJECT-BASED WORK WHILE YOU'RE ON LEAVE. Small projects may fit in with your schedule and will enable you to keep your skills fresh.
HAVE FUN. Most importantly, for whatever reason you may be out of the workforce, or between jobs, enjoy the time you have. I know I certainly have!
Kristy Ward www.madisongroup.co.nz
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