Today, one thing is crystal clear: change is the new normal in the life sciences industry. Organizations are looking for leaders who are future-focused and able to handle whatever comes their way. Maintaining the status quo is no longer good enough.
This is a guest post for BioSpace, contributed by the Center for Creative Leadership.
Today, one thing is crystal clear: change is the new normal in the life sciences industry. Organizations are looking for leaders who are future-focused and able to handle whatever comes their way. Maintaining the status quo is no longer good enough.
So what do you need to do to get ready? When the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®) surveyed learning and development leaders from 65-plus countries, we uncovered a number of important workplace themes and trends. Five findings are particularly relevant for anyone interested in getting ahead in today’s brave new world.
- Be a successful first-time leader.
Companies often promote their top functional performers with strong expertise, then later find that they lack the people skills needed to succeed. Don’t be one of these “accidental leaders.” The skills you have today are not enough. You want to be effective in your first leadership role – whether you chose to move up or have it thrust upon you.
The key to leading successfully is starting now. Look for opportunities to develop the capabilities needed to manage people – from aligning a team behind a shared strategy to delivering effective feedback. Proactively pursue leadership development programs. Volunteer to lead a project team to practice what you’ve learned. And look for mentors who know the ropes and can help you make a successful transition into leadership.
- Build your change endurance.
Change may be the new normal, but too much of it can cause stress and burnout. There are things you can do to help you adapt and build resilience. Make healthy lifestyle choices, including getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Find moments of calm throughout your day so you can quiet your mind and improve your focus. You’ll be able to think more clearly, make better decisions and improve your job performance.
- Become digitally fluent.
Entire marketplaces are being upended these days by new technologies. But many companies are finding their workers don’t have the tech skills they need. They aren’t using technology and data to its fullest in their day-to-day work, and they don’t know enough to plan and lead innovation projects.
Become a tech leader, not a follower. Watch “how to” videos and attend tech-focused training classes and conferences. Ask digitally savvy colleagues to help you get up to speed and become more tech-proficient. The more you understand, the better poised you will be to work efficiently and help your organization use technology in transformative new ways.
- Embrace disruption.
Doing things the way they have always been done is a path to failure in today’s ever-changing marketplace. Life sciences companies desperately need leaders who can innovate and build a new normal out of the chaos. To embrace disruption and help to create something new, you need to be able to think strategically and to understand the many interdependencies in your organization and in the broader marketplace.
To stretch and learn, volunteer for cross-functional change initiatives that will give you an opportunity to explore internal networks and systems. Ask for a lateral move or for a new assignment that will open you up to new opinions, new perspectives and new ways to see the world. Remember, practice makes perfect.
- Kick some glass.
The “MeToo” movement has brought renewed attention to the “glass ceiling” and factors that hamper equity in the workplace. Companies are beginning to pay attention and to take action to help attract and retain talented women of all races and backgrounds. There are also things you can do on your own.
If you’re a woman eager to move up and break through the glass ceiling, realize that stellar performance isn’t enough. You’ve also got to get noticed. That means giving time and attention to building effective networks and to articulating your personal “brand.” Find mentors who can provide candid advice and counsel on navigating internal politics. Cultivate a sponsor too – a more senior leader who is willing to put your name forward as opportunities arise.
If you’re a man, make an effort to extend your own network by promoting inclusivity. Break free from the limitations of the “old boys’ network” and cast a broader net. Look for opportunities to include, mentor or sponsor female colleagues who can make an important contribution to the business. Help to root out unconscious bias in corporate systems and culture. You can benefit your own career by helping your organization identify and promote talented women who can make a difference.
Following these five practices will help you stay ahead of the curve and reflect your leadership potential and ability. For more information on these and other workplace trends, download the Trends Report “Talent Reimagined. 7 Emerging Trends for Transformative Leaders.”
Clemson Turregano is global director of custom leadership solutions at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®).
