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Change In The Workforce

Mso Normal">Adapting to change in the workforce is a never ending part of life. It is the same in Nashville and Middle Tennessee the same as it is everywhere else.

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Mso Normal">In the 1970s a book by the name of Future Shock described a world of rapid change with consequential impact on everyone and everything. That world is now here in ways the author could never have imagined. And to succeed, those in today’s workforce must be prepared to adapt to change continually throughout their careers. Those who do not will become stagnant and find themselves in less demand by employers.

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Mso Normal">The consequence of not keeping up with change is nothing new. At the beginning of World War II the Polish army had what many at the time considered the greatest cavalry in the world. Unfortunately, armed men on horseback had little chance against the tanks and fire power of the innovative and technologically superior German blitzkrieg. The Polish men and horses were slaughtered in attack after attack and their government eventually had to surrender.

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Mso Normal">The Allies eventually prevailed by developing their own newer and better technologies along with improved military tactics.

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Mso Normal">Though the working world rarely has such tragic results by not staying up with the latest innovations, not adapting can make the difference in making a profit or filing for bankruptcy.

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Mso Normal">Most organizations want employees that can help them keep up with or put them ahead of the competition. Many of them have training programs to support their employees in this endeavor.

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Mso Normal">If you are fortunate enough to have an employer that has educational programs, make sure you take advantage of the offerings. It is not necessary to take every class or seminar, just those that are relevant to your career and interests. In those cases where desired courses are not available directly through the employer, look at outside institutions for educational offerings and request reimbursement from your employer. But, if reimbursement is not available, don’t be too cheap to pay for courses which will keep you in the forefront of your occupation.

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Mso Normal">If your employer is not progressive or does not have the resources to pay for training programs then set up your own program. Determine what topics are the best for your career. Sometimes they may be indirectly related but will eventually pay dividends.

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Mso Normal">For instance, if you were in marketing in 1980, taking a course on how to use a personal computer may have seemed like a waste of time. Today you would wonder how someone could have considered not taking the course.

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Mso Normal">There are also plenty of books and information you can find on the Internet for a self directed education program if you don’t have time for after work classes.

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Mso Normal">Benefits abound for those who keep up with change.

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Mso Normal">Those at the top of their game typically earn more money. Employers want progressive employees and will usually pay to get them and keep them.

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Mso Normal">Keeping up will also provide you with greater opportunity. And not only in your present job, but also for finding jobs with other employers, even in other industries.

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Mso Normal">Another unseen benefit is you will not feel left behind. As you grow older, there is often a tendency to become comfortable in you position and not venture into new territories. As the years pass, and they will faster than you think, you may begin to feel the younger employees coming out of school know more than you about new technologies and societal nuances. Don’t let that happen – keep up.

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Mso Normal">Now, more than ever, because of the rapid changes taking place in technology and society, keeping up has become a necessity. Stay at the top of your game with a continuous education effort.