Tips to hit the ground running in 2011

As we put the GFC behind us, New Zealand is now moving swiftly into a Global Talent Crisis, according to recruitment & HR services company, Randstad.

The ongoing skills shortage has been cited as the main reason for many organisations’ inability to grow as quickly as they’d like. This is even more prevalent in a strong economic environment as many Kiwis leave to do their OE. In short, employers across most sectors simply can’t find suitable talent.

From a human capital perspective, 2011 is expected to be a year of reconnecting. Business leaders will need to reconnect with their employees through open and honest communication to ensure they are happy, motivated and engaged and ready for the challenges that lay ahead. The last 18 months need to be openly acknowledged as one of the most challenging times in the last two decades, and employees will be looking for acknowledgement and recognition of their hard work. A thank you can take many forms, and it will be appreciated if it is personal and appropriate for each individual employee.

Smarter businesses will be increasing efficiencies this year by focusing on talent retention, training and development and offering a range of employee benefits to ensure that their people are engaged and motivated to perform to their maximum potential. And looking ahead as conditions continue to improve, focus will need to be placed on attracting talent to ensure ongoing business growth. The New Year often brings movement and mobility of talent, so if this is the case, do your best to attract top talent before another organisation snaps them up.

A top priority for businesses this year will be to ensure they have well trained people ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities 2011 will bring. Ensuring that their people are ready to hit the ground running, with a full understanding of the business, the market and customers needs is critical. The winners in 2011 will be those organisations with the right people in the right jobs, motivated and ready to grow the business.

For employees, it has been a tough couple of years with many people finding themselves overworked and under resourced due to company restructures. It didn’t matter which industry sector you were in or even the level of your job – the beginning of 2010 saw employee morale shaken by job insecurity. Many faced pay cuts, bonus freezes and restructures. Tough decisions were made on all fronts to ensure business viability in an unpredictable business environment, and the legacies of those decisions are the cause of many issues we’re dealing with today.

In the first half of 2011 it may prove difficult to receive a payrise or bonus, but it’s important to have open and honest lines of communication so that both parties are aware of expectations. If expectations are managed, then quite often employers and employees find a solution where both parties are satisfied. Employees are now looking to be motivated, engaged and inspired by leaders who can make tough decisions, take the reins, drive growth and live the values of the organisation.

For jobseekers, it has been incredibly difficult to find a suitable job over the last two years. But 2011 should see further opportunities emerge as strong gains in the labour market seen at the end of 2010, continue. The beginning of 2011 may also be a time to reassess and think about your role and career achievements so far, and how they may evolve.

The following five tips will help you evaluate your career and hit the ground running in 2011:

1. Stop and think
Assess your career goals and ensure that your expectations are meeting the market’s expectations – that way you will not be disappointed. Look back on your achievements, celebrate positive milestones and map out your new goals. This can be a refreshing and energising process and a great way to feel inspired about work again. If you are looking to change jobs, ensure that you are moving for the right reasons.

2. Take time for holidays
The old adage ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ can also be true at work. Not taking ‘time out’ often leads to stress and finding yourself bogged down in the little things. Find some time during 2011 to relax and you will feel re-energised to deal with the exciting developments awaiting you later in the year.

3. Be prepared
If you are considering a career move, ensure you spend time brushing up on interview skills. Prepare answers for interview questions, particularly behavioural interview questions, and update your CV. If there are any short courses you were thinking of doing which could help with your next career move, the summer period could prove to be just the right time to get into this project.

4. Play to your strengths
If you are currently in a job, you need to continue to play to your strengths. Know what it is you are good at and don’t focus on the negatives. When you focus on talents and not shortfalls, you will experience positivity and strength to meet any challenge thrown at you. Always investigate learning and development programmes offered by your employer, even if they are not strictly related to your existing area of expertise. Go with what you find interesting as well as what would help advance your career.

5. Act now
Do not wait for opportunity to knock on your door. Whether it is within your current organisation or even within a totally new role, your time to act is right now. Open your mind to opportunities that may not have been something you would have evaluated previously – you might be surprised with what you discover.

Above all, stay motivated and confident. The continued economic recovery in 2011 presents a window of opportunity for employees and jobseekers - if you are prepared and act decisively you could be in a dominant position to take advantage of career opportunities during the year.

From finding the right leaders and managing the skills shortage, to growing employer confidence, 2011 is shaping up to be a very exciting year.

ENDS

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