<p>Apple introduced their first Macintosh computer in 1984. It cost<strong><em> only</em></strong> $2489. By today’s standards, it’s expensive, ugly and archaic. But back then it was innovative and worth the money. Do you think the heads of Apple ever imagined they’d have an iPhone for only $199 . . . with a 2-year AT&T contract? Not likely. Yet they knew it’s essential to adapt and innovate in order to stay in high demand.</p>
<p>How do you stay in demand? Are you adapting? Are you innovating? Business is rapidly changing. With a challenging economy, even a career in a flourishing industry can run into a "brick wall". For everyone in the midst of change, the key is to slow down for a moment, reflect back, and ask yourself the right questions.</p>
<p><strong>Step 1 – Slow down and reflect</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Sometimes we are so busy conquering new goals, we forget that simple reflection can lead to growth. This past year:</p>
<p>1. What was my biggest triumph? <br />2. What was my greatest risk? <br />3. What valuable lessons did I learn during the year? <br />4. What is my biggest piece of unfinished business? <br />5. What am I most grateful for?</p>
<p><strong>Step 2 – Ask the right questions</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong><strong>1. What do I need to celebrate? </strong>We are our own worst critics, especially if we are high performers. How often do you reach a goal and then discount it? This is the "yes, but" mentality. "Yes, I reached that goal, but I could have done better." "Yes, but I really am not that talented. I just got lucky." It’s time to break that negative cycle:</p>
<p>• Keep a log of your successes, both small and large. <br />• Instead of discounting achievements, celebrate your accomplishments by rewarding yourself.</p>
<p><strong>2. Where do I go from here? </strong>Look at those successes and become aware of your greatest strengths – those <strong>activities you love to do <em>and</em> are good at</strong>. One career mistake often made is not asking for what we want in terms of professional development. If you are good at what you do, your organization wants to keep you. So first identify what you want, then see if they have it. Ask yourself - <strong>how can I take those strengths to the next level?</strong></p>
<p>• What new technical skills do I need? <br /> • What continuing education programs or volunteer work would develop my strengths?</p>
<p>• Who are my real teachers and mentors?<br />• Where are my best learning environments?</p>
<p><strong><br />3. Do you respond “no” to any of the statements below? A coach can give you the challenge and support to answer “yes”, stay in demand and be your industry’s “iPhone of 2009”.</strong></p>
<p>• I actively seek to understand what’s going on around me and its effect on my business i.e. the economy, competition, innovations and regulations.<br />• I’m continuously assessing and evolving my business to stay in demand.<br />• I know the values and principles that are important in my life. <br />• I am clear about my expertise and the resource I can be for others. <br />• I know what I'd like to accomplish, and I have a list of long- and short-term goals that I revise regularly</p>
2009-03-05T00:00:16Z
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2009-03-11T00:08:48Z
2009-03-11T00:08:48Z
How do you stay in demand? Are you adapting? Are you innovating? Business is rapidly changing. With a challenging economy, even a career in a flourishing industry can run into a 'brick wall'.
Staying In Demand
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2009-03-11T02:02:51Z