HOW TO RECOGNISE IF YOU ARE INSTITUTIONALISED AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

...and what's this got to do with Meerkats?

I have had the pleasure and the privilege to assist 1000’s of professionals and executives transition from an organisation that they have been connected to for many many years and where they have been hugely successful. These people have progressed through the ranks as a result of having achieved good results, they have a great reputation and they have had internal champions promote them. They have also been able to navigate their way through the complexities of their particular organisation throughout all its iterations and changes. All great stuff ….until the day things change and they ultimately leave the organisation.

As soon as the person hits the big wide world - what they are left with is often a dearth of networks outside of the organisation. They may also be left with very limiting beliefs and thinking about the world of work and how they fit in it. This comes from their limited exposure to the external world. They may also have an incredible set of jargon that no-one else can connect with or appreciate.

This situation can also sadly come with a belief that no-one would really understand how special the work they did truly was. I’m sorry to say -they are right– no-one does really understand at all - and the second biggest issue is who is going to listen. 

So if you can relate to this, here are my tips to ensure you don’t fall into the black hole that makes one’s employability very challenging:

• Your networks need to be broad and maintained internally and externally. Can you pick up the phone and connect to people outside your organisation, and do they understand what you do and do you understand what they do? If not start building those contacts today. Share your knowledge and gain new insights and knowledge from them.
  

• Check and re-check the language you are using to describe yourself, your employment history, your achievements and your contribution. Will a person on the street understand it - because if not, you won’t have the impact you need. A friend who is not in the industry is a good checkpoint here.
  

• Build up knowledge of trends in the workforce, in your industry and in other industries generally. You should, at any time, be able to identify five potential organisation’s that you might possibly work for in the future?
  

• Regularly look at job ads and do a mental check of your “fit”. What technology are they referring to?  Are you able to understand and identify with the jargon of the moment?  Ask yourself what is missing between the market needs and your experience. What can you do to bridge that gap?
  

• As an absolute minimum, whilst you are in a role, I’d suggest at least 2-3 one-on-one, face-to-face catch ups with your network (or a new network) each month and up to 3-4 per week if you are seeking a career or job change. 

Your long term tenure, dedication to your organisation, and the ability to grasp the opportunities that your organisation provides for, can all ease you into a comfort zone and a safety zone – but it’s not – it’s a danger zone. Please view these things with the lens of a business. All businesses need to be aware of their customer needs, their competitors, their opportunities in the future, and their threats. This same mindset will support you in your ongoing career and your general employability.  

Stay aware … and then carry on. I liken career management to that of the meerkat. I love these little critters. They are head down, working and foraging most of the time, but they balance this with a heads up look around. What dangers are out there, where are the opportunities and where are the threats.  Keep these little beauties in mind whilst you navigate your way through your career.

I would welcome other comments on this – what has been your experience and what else can one do to ensure you don’t become institutionalised.