Friday, January 15, 2010

Reinventing Yourself

Sarah Palin is now a political commentator for Fox-TV. The interview-savvy, former-governor of Alaska, now-author, who is a favourite with Republicans, will appear on television regularly. Talk about a major career switch - from public office to bubblegum for the public eye.

Hewlett-Packard coined the term ‘Reinvention’ as part of its ‘Journey’ when Carly Fiorina was its first female CEO. It also shifted its business from computers to focus on ink cartridges and printers in early-2000.

A senior executive, holding many key positions including CEO, eventually settled to the public service as a vice-principal of a junior college. He wanted a change of pace and fulfill his sense of purpose.

Reinventing ourself is vital in total’s context if we are to remain relevant (and employable). It means making necessary changes, being adaptive and adept at what we do. We review our competencies to ensure that these are contemporary, and up-dated. Personal Branding 2.0 becomes the new focus, as we orientate ourself around new bearings, establish new relationships and sustain existing ones. We reconnect with our networks of relationships via Social Media. No longer do we keep our life private and tight-lipped, but keep the social door ajar so that others may get a glimpse of us in more casual surroundings.

Leadership Lessons: Do different things for a while, and stick to your script. Just when people find you predictable, shift gears or roles. Decide on what else increases your value. Do things that get attention, be attractive to others, and get them to be attached to your leadership style and values.

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