Jeff Saperstein

Before you actually make a career transition you should know who you are, what you imagine you would like to accomplish, what is hindering you from getting where you would like to be, and what is your plan to get there?

Some questions that may help guide you are:

• Where do I fit?
• How do I add value?
• Can I learn to compete to collaborate so I am a valued team member?

Can I effectively give and receive signals to be an effective and intelligent communicator and listener?

Where do I fit?

Best to build experience in broadening your comfort zone, but start where you are now:

• Field/industry

• Regions

• Sectors

• Cultures

• Organizational structures

• Workplace styles

How do I add value?

What discipline do I master: Marketing, Finance, IT, etc.

Do I understand other disciplines well enough to work on multi-disciplinary teams on the Cloud with Cognitive tools, so I can contribute to dispersed and diverse work teams?

What do I know how to do: (create an App, work with platforms and Tools such as Salesforce, Amazon Web Services, Google Analytics, IBM Blue Mix, etc.). Continuous learning and upgrading of skills is essential to continue to add value.

How do I communicate and lead?

• Being able to read and send (signal) non-verbal and verbal communication is life-long learning: the one constant skill in demand in the turbulent, transforming workplace

• Good communication skills can be learned

• Monitor these attitudinal markers for personal/professional growth  as you navigate  your career:

• Curiosity

• Genuine interest in people

• Desire to serve and help others

• Develop leadership so everyone wins and you can work towards common purpose