By: Peter M Felix

The world of the senior executive is changing faster than ever. Nothing seems to be constant ; a fact that is both exciting and threatening. Since uncertainty seems to be the order of the day then we have to learn to live with it – and if possible get ahead of it or at least be prepared for unexpected change. Today the executive career is more and more a linkage of modules or assignments without any glue other than an idea of what you might like to do next or what chances are thrown your way. For most people career planning is something of an oxymoron. But how satisfactory is that – how much does one want to be blown around the job market, how much does one want to be in the driving seat?

One can never discount chance – the tap on the shoulder from an executive search consultant, the chance meeting with a friend or acquaintance, the unforeseen promotion. The senior executive market is highly imperfect and full of chance. But its imperfection can also spell opportunity. This is why networking is so highly advocated by all those who work in it.

Being proactive about career change can make huge sense and there is no doubt that it responds to well managed process. Whilst still working as a search consultant, I would often tell executives - treat your search like an executive search in reverse. Search consultants have a position and are seeking the executive. You are the executive and are seeking a position. So what rules can we draw from that truism?

Well a search is nothing if it is not organized and well documented. One contact leads to another, follow it up and document it. Don’t ask sources to get back to you with ideas – quiz them on the spot about people or organizations that they know and ask them if you can follow up a lead directly – don’t leave it to them to forget to call the lead or mis-communicate your message.

Perseverance and focus lead to a good executive search completed within a short time frame. The same goes for a job search. Divide the market into a few sectors, no more than 5, where you are confident that you could add value. Then compile your starting list of ideas and contacts within each sector and start the ball rolling. It’s amazing how quickly momentum can build, how one idea or contact can spawn another. Get your network to a certain size and it will begin to build itself.

None of this obviates the value of being on the radar screen of search firms and consultants relevant to your sector or function. They are busy people but over a period of time that network will build to your advantage as well.

Categories: Executive Career Management
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