Research highlights that executives are in for surprises while in transition.
While only 45% of my clients were surprised by the decision that led to their leaving their organizations there were other surprises that were more widely experienced by the group as they made their ways to their next roles.
In research conducted in 2016, a sample of 150 former clients were asked, “When you were in transition, were there people in your network who surprised you in a positive fashion (did more than you expected) with their level of interest, support or help?”
The good news is that 84% agreed that this had been the case. We included this question because new clients often ask what to expect from their networking efforts. Most people are looking for reassurance that their efforts to build a network, the key to finding opportunities, will be worthwhile and will be well received.
Another bit of good news is that people really do have an opportunity to reflect on the big issues while in transition. There was very strong top-two box agreement as 96% agreed “My career transition experience made me reflect on my professional priorities” and 85% agreed “My career transition experience made me reflect on my personal priorities.” Being forced to stop can lead to better informed decisions and paths.
Another surprise is that people add to their professional networks when they experience transition. The research included the question, “During your transition did you make at least one acquaintance who has become an important member of your professional network?” Almost nine out of ten (87%) agreed they had.
Building on the time for reflection, I know from experience that clients have also been surprised at the personal and professional understanding gained during the process. For example, of the respondents who could answer yes or no, there was strong agreement that the work they did during the career transition process helped with: 1) “Learning about yourself as a person” (93%); and 2) “Learning about yourself as an executive” (92%).
Going through career transition was not something people generally volunteered for but the process often pleasantly surprised them as they were recipients of support and assistance they did not expect. They also gained insights into themselves as people and as executives. Which adds up to a final surprising potential outcome of career transition: renewed faith…in others and in ourselves!