The only management practice that’s now constant is the practice of constantly accommodating to change.
William McGowan, MCI Chairman
Work, careers, and jobs now shift like quicksand. The destruction of traditional jobs, the emergence of Brand U careers, the role of new work rules, and the fundamental changes of work can’t be ignored or dismissed. It’s happening! It’s real! And, it’s scary! Even as the US economy churns out millions of new jobs, many of the new jobs are fundamentally different from what many of us were trained or expected to do.
Work is a living paradox and is undergoing perpetual paradigm shifts. Take risks but don’t bet the firm. Be an individual Brand U contributor but work as a team member. Be a leader, but manage carefully. Think globally but act locally. Take a long-term view but measure daily improvements. Satisfy all customers, employees, community, unions, government regulators, and shareholders equally. Downsize to remain competitive but be a work-friendly employer.