When it comes to changes and getting stuff done, there’s nothing better than brainstorming and using formal methods to get the creative awesomeness out of your head and into some type of actual implementation of what you’re trying to do. When it comes to doing this as a business, an organizational development career encompasses that skill as its main function.
“Wait, wait, wait… you’re on your 3rd cup of water and the meeting hasn’t even started? I think you need to slow down, Debra. This is just a chart…”
If you’re looking to make a real change and impact in the company, that’s the way you’re going to have to go about doing it. Let’s go through three reasons why this position is probably what you’re looking for.
Number One: Interaction With Senior Leaders
This may frighten some people to death as they’re not interested in it at all, but those are the kind of people that probably aren’t very interested in this innovative position either. If you are interested in getting anywhere, especially up, in an organization, you’ll need to have some face time, some working time, and some partnering time with the people that are in the corner offices.
You’ll need ample time to get used to their mannerisms, the way they get stuff done, and to really work on a person-to-person basis with the people that have already done what you’re planning to do. Treat them not only as bosses, but also as extremely qualified mentors.
Number Two: Take Part In Strategy Development
If you’re just working on the bottom level, or even on the managerial level (first or second line manager level), you’re going to have very little to do with the actual strategy that the business participates in. Sure, you’ll have inputs into the day-to-day activities that get done and the implementation of business strategy, but the best you can do is come up with an idea and present it to the “higher-ups.”
Unless you have some weight behind that presentation, I wouldn’t be too confident with it going any further than that. But your mileage may vary. However, if you want to guarantee a greater “luck surface area,” so to speak, then working your way up through a strong business development type career is the way to go.
Number Three: Where Real Change Happens
The place where stuff gets done is at the top, and if you’re not working at the top, then the best you can do is work the other plans that are made available to you. Anyone can give ideas, anyone can take part in the overall strategy of a business, and, as you have already found out in number two, strategy comes from the top.
Now, actually seeing that strategy implemented and made into change the business can bank; guess what? That’s at the top too. Seeing the day-to-day details is probably not what you’re entirely interested in, but seeing the change from a global organizational perspective is probably what fuels the fire in your belly.
This is what happens on the 20th floor, in the corner office, in the glass conference rooms, and in those mahogany break rooms. The physical or lavish part of this position may not do anything for you motivation wise, and it probably shouldn’t, because that’s all bonus. When you’re up top, it’s about strategy, making change, not in just the business, but also the world.
Change the Organization at the Head
If you’re looking for an exciting time for your career and seeing some real change in the organization that you plan to be with, look for interaction with senior leaders, plan to take part in strategy development, and know that that’s where the real change happens. These types of careers are available for your perusal on Monster.com. Get your resume started, submit your resume, and find your next job.