Sital Ruparelia

“Life is a series of mountains, valleys and missiles”

This is a lesson I learned from my first Business Coach, Chris Barrow

To paraphrase Chris:

Mountains: Are the moments when we feel on top of the world.  When everything is going really well.

- When things are good, the key is to enjoy and appreciate the things that are going well instead of obsessing about all the things that aren’t quite yet perfect.
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The death and destruction caused by last week’s second earthquake in New Zealand was far worse than the first earthquake a month ago.

The pain and problems caused by such ‘aftershocks’ can effect people in a much more profound way in other aspects of life and business too:

At an Economic Level

- The economic aftershocks felt months after the financial crisis and recession are, for some people, much more painful than the shock of the crisis. (e.g. high unemployment, cuts in government spending and higher taxes)

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“Few can deny that social media has enabled the most significant advance in freedom of expression and association in contemporary Arab history.” (The Washinton Post)

“Borders bankruptcy is a warning to all entrenched players within industries going through tech disruption; “change before you have to.” (Jack Welch)

Over the last 10 days we’ve seen:

• The forced ending of President Mubarak’s reign in Egypt after 30 years in power
• Widespread disruption across Bahrain, Libya and other states in North Africa and the Middle East
• The collapse of Borders the book store chain as they go into bankruptcy

So what’s the common thread?

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Yesterday saw the dramatic rescue of the Chilean Miners after 69 days stuck underground.

Over a 21 hour period, the so called Pheonix capsule miraculously lifted 33 miners from the depths of a dark mine and into the light and fresh air.

Whilst none of us could ever comprehend what it must be like to be stuck underground for more than two months, in our professional lives, most of us have been stuck in a rut or our very own black hole for much longer than 69 days.

Examples include being:

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httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuaIgzSvOXs

I love this track. I first heard it when visiting Colombia in January for a friend’s wedding. It was played at every party and club we went to and I couldn’t get it out of my head for weeks!

The Translated Lyrics

Apart from the music, I love the message behind the song. Here’s the chorus translated from Spanish into English:

Whilst, of course, the lyrics in the song are within the context of a romantic exchange, the message very much applies to our careers and professional lives too.

In the complex, interconnected world we live in today, we can’t predict what’s around the corner. A global financial crisis instigated by a real estate bubble in the US,  volcanic ash clouds from Iceland or major environmental disasters like the recent BP oil slick effect can effect so many industries and so many workers overnight.

Similarly, new technology, new products, new competitors can change the face of your industry immediately.

Which is why having detailed career plans no longer works.

You Don’t Know  Of Tomorrow

You don’t know if you and your employer will be together for years to come

You don’t know how a personal health problem or family matter could change the way you view your career overnight

So stay focussed on the job you’re doing right now, be committed to the employer who you’re working with right now. And then be agile in adapting to the environment as you go.

And if you’re out of work and job searching – that’s your current job – looking for work. So be present and stay focussed on just that. Be committed to following up those leads or the meetings you’re attending today.

I don’t know of tomorrow. And neither do you – so don’t stress too much about it and enjoy today.

“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.”

- John Allen Paulos

Ever-changing technology, globalisation and hyper-competition have conspired to make most of our professional lives an ever-changing landscape. Add to that a changeable economic climate, political uncertainty and a sprinkling of volcanic ash and voila – you have the makings of constant change and unpredictability.

While your ability to create and execute detailed plans may have served you well in the past, in today’s economy and work place, it’s your ability to operate in a much more fluid environment that determines your progress.

Regardless of whether you’re currently trying to lead a team through change or attempting to navigate your own career through turbulence, here are 17 tips which may help.

1. Focus on clear outcomes instead of detailed plans

In an ever-changing environment, you need to stay focused on your goals whilst still being light on your feet. So be clear about your broad business objectives, career goals, financial requirements and lifestyle needs – but be flexible about the precise ‘plan’ you’ll use to get there.

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1. The Trigger

Something happens which stops you in your tracks:

• Major changes at work which make you think… “Is this what I really want?”

• Redundancy

• A major health problem (for you or a family member)

• The death of a close friend or family member

• A divorce or major a relationship break-up

• Financial difficulties

• Extended travel or volunteering activities that make you question what you’re doing

• External factors that move you (e.g. 9/11, the tsunami in Asia, earthquake in Haiti)

Tip:

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1. Be more visible

- Now is not the time to go missing

2. Be more transparent

- i.e. the complete opposite to what most leaders do in changing times

3. Be more communicative (a lot more)

- If you’re not communicating, then the rumour mill will go into overdrive

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FREE TELESEMINAR

“Rethink, Reposition and Thrive In 2010″

Saturday 6th February 2010

3pm UK Time

4pm Central Europe, 10am Eastern Standard Time

Learn more and book your spot now

=====================================

During this 75 minute call, you’ll discover:

• 3 big shifts we’re beginning to see within the workplace during 2010 which will accelerate by the end of this year and into 2011

• Key predictions I’m making for the employment market in 2010

• 3 biggest challenges every employee and freelancer will have to adapt to this year

• One big mindset shift you must make in order to thrive in the coming year

• The 5 key steps you will need to take to reposition yourself and ensure you’re one of the winners who thrive in 2010. Which means you’ll learn:

• How to reinvent yourself without having to change job or careers

• The 2 keys to standing out in what is still a very challenging job market

• 3 ways to increase your income this year (even if salary budgets are capped)

• The key to finding meaningful work (without taking a pay cut and making a huge change)

• The 2 time-tested principles you must follow in order to achieve that elusive work-life balance you’re searching for

=====================================

Whether you’re working in a permanent role, consulting, freelancing or looking for a new job or career – this is a must-attend free teleseminar. I’ll demystify all the changes going on this year and ensure you thrive in 2010.

Don’t miss it!

Click here to learn more and reserve your space on the complimentary call.

FREE TELESEMINAR

“Rethink, Reposition and Thrive In 2010″

Saturday 6th February 2010

3pm UK Time

4pm Central Europe, 10am Eastern Standard Time

Learn more and book your spot now

During this 75 minute call, you’ll discover:

* 3 big shifts we’re beginning to see within the workplace during 2010 which will accelerate by the end of this year and into 2011

* Key predictions I’m making for the employment market in 2010

* 3 biggest challenges every employee and freelancer will have to adapt to this year

* One big mindset shift you must make in order to thrive in the coming year

* The 5 key steps you will need to take to reposition yourself and ensure you’re one of the winners who thrive in 2010. Which means you’ll learn:

* How to reinvent yourself without having to change job or careers

* The 2 keys to standing out in what is still a very challenging job market

* 3 ways to increase your income this year (even if salary budgets are capped)

* The key to finding meaningful work (without taking a pay cut and making a huge change)

* The 2 time-tested principles you must follow in order to achieve that elusive work-life balance you’re searching for

=====================================

Whether you’re working in a permanent role, consulting, freelancing or looking for a new job or career – this is a must-attend free teleseminar. I’ll demystify all the changes going on this year and ensure you thrive in 2010.

Don’t miss it!

Click here to learn more and reserve your space on the complimentary call.