Czytaj także
Career Risk Management
Difficult problems left to themselves will become even more difficult." Murphy
In the job market, it is often observed that candidates become active seekers of new positions only when they notice the inevitable loss of their current job or have already lost it. Such a reactive approach forces them to transition from passivity and following the employer's guidelines to active action in order to find a new job. Although such a change can be beneficial for them and help in better career management in the future, some may return to the previous mode of operation after finding a new job.
In contrast, talented employees rarely act in the described manner. The difference between them and the average employee, regardless of the position held, is significant. Talent refers to a person with exceptional skills in their field, often already recognized by their current employer. Such individuals are constantly sought after in the job market due to their competencies, ability to build relationships, and manage and share knowledge. Ambitious and committed to their professional field, talents are often recommended by others and instinctively manage risk in their career. They also understand the direction in which their organization is heading and can notice crisis signals, responding to them appropriately early.
Managing career risk is key, which can be challenging in today's times of constant lack of time. This may include both positive aspects, such as striving for higher earnings or promotion, and negative ones, like fear of losing a job. It is important to define and manage potential career risks. For this purpose, I have developed the "Career Risk Matrix" tool, which is helpful in analyzing and avoiding surprises in one's professional career.
Career Risk Matrix:
- List all the risks in the table below (1), (2), and determine the probability of their occurrence (3).
- Define the level from which, in your opinion, it makes sense to manage such risk (4), e.g., 0-30% defined/not managed, 31-100% - defined/managed.
|
|
(1) Internal (related to you, your competencies, motivation, work style) |
(2) External (related to the company/organization, its environment but also the position itself - tasks, objectives) that you currently observe |
(3)
Estimate approximately what you believe is the probability of this risk occurring (0 – 100%) |
(4) Not Managed (N) / Managed |
|
|
|
For the definition of external risks, you can use the PESTLE analysis (P - Political, E - Economic, S - Social, T - Technological, L - Legal, E - Environmental);
In the next table, define in "managed risks":
- what do you plan to do if such risk occurs?
- how do you plan to mitigate the effects of this risk?
- what can you do in advance to prevent the risk from occurring?
W kolejnej tabeli określ w „ryzykach zarządzanych”
|
Managed risk |
Probability of Occurrence (0-100%) |
How will I manage it? |
| For example, I will not implement the planned change upon encountering resistance from the organization. |
32% |
For example, I will enhance my competencies in change management, seek information on best practices, ask for support (coaching/mentoring), and find out what may be the cause of internal resistance. I will build positive relationships within the company from the beginning. |
| For example, I will have to move to another country. |
50% |
For example, I will find out what the company's policy is on sponsoring flights home, and I will figure out what rate I can ask for renting out my apartment. Or I will change jobs in advance. |
| (S) For example, a change in consumer expectations could lead to its bankruptcy if the company does not implement new (healthy products) in advance. |
45% |
For example, I will find out within the organization what the plans are for new products, how the company plans to position itself in the market in the future, and what it will build its competitive advantage on. I will track global consumer trends. I will define other industries in which I could develop. |
A well-prepared and updated matrix will help you avoid surprises that you may encounter in your professional career and protect yourself, e.g. against losing your position. In my book "Career management in a VUCA world", in chapter 10 I propose additional tools in the form of a "career emergency plan", discuss alternative career options and propose an activity plan that will allow you to quickly find a new position.
Partners
Agnieszka Piątkowska