Recession creates development opportunities for middle managers

After living through 2009 and surviving it with a few more lines and lots more wisdom, I am of the firm opinion that many positive and unexpected opportunities will arise for people in the work place in the near future.

The rules have changed.

The "we have always done it this way" mentality will be frowned upon as businesses recognise the need to be open to change and become more fleet of foot.

Career resilience is often viewed as something to aspire to rather than something that is possible right now in the current market place.  In my opinion, it is a mindset change that is required and an active realisation that there has never been a better time to grab at the numerous opportunities for personal and professional development that abound.

A recent report by the Henley Business School’s Corporate Learning Priorities Survey 2010 reveals that organisations are pouring their resources into employees with the potential to lead them into an "uncertain" future.  It found that developing middle managers’ leadership skills and equipping them to deal with change were among participant organisations’ top priorities for 2010, along with succession planning, attracting new talent and developing a coaching culture.

John Mahoney-Phillips head of human capital at UBS bank re-iterated that aspiring leaders must be continuous learners.

“You need a certain amount of emotional resilience to put yourself in a position that is uncomfortable, difficult, uncertain and unknown and you need another set of skills that allow you to reflect and think how you can change your behaviour on the basis of what you’ve experienced,” he said.

Are you making the most of the development opportunities available to you?

If you are facing redundancy and are currently at risk of losing your job, you may be reading this blog with a sceptical eye.  However, you may be surprised to learn about several free learning and development opportunities that are available to you right now.

• The R2R scheme is available to anyone living or working in the East of England whose job is at risk and will provide you with professional careers advice and access to a training fund of £1200
• The Institute of Leadership and Management is offering 6 months free membership to managers being made redundant

Contact Katherine Wiid, a Career Management Coach and facilitator of R2R funding for more information on 01780 484910 or visit www.recrion.co.uk/free – your career is in your hands.