Like Life, Work is About the Journey, Not the Destination

Ask anyone in the working world and they will tell you that work is not what it used to be. Teams are becoming more virtual and diverse with cross-functional working groups now the norm. Organizational structures are also evolving, and we have shifted from the traditional corporate ladder to a more flexible “lattice” approach that opens up new opportunities for growth and increased flexibility. While these are positive changes, they require that employees and their employers show up differently when it comes to managing career progression by seizing new opportunities and charting new paths.

Whatever career stage you are in, it’s important to find ways to weave through your organization’s lattice and continue to grow in ways that make sense for you. Equally important is taking a “long view” that focuses on today but with an eye peeking toward the future. Think about where you want to be on your career journey in a few years’ time and then figure out what goals you need to accomplish today, what skills you need to learn this year and the experiences you will need longer-term to make it a reality. While admittedly focused on the employee, this idea benefits the employer as well, since research shows that highly satisfied employees lead to increased productivity and performance. By finding ways to challenge employees and encouraging them leave their comfort zone, employers will have a more satisfied and engaged workforce.

Regardless of the organization, title or level, everyone must now consider ways to meet their own goals and create a unique path to get there. Sometimes that means moving up; other times it may mean weaving your way all around the organization to get to where you aspire to be. If you’re looking to widen your repertoire skillset or give yourself an advantage, Creator Academy has a host of courses aimed at boosting key areas of business management. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, “Life is a Journey, Not a Destination.” I believe the same can be said for our work life so make yours the best journey it can be.