"Why do they want to get rid of you?"
The outcome of this meeting is a plan that includes classes and/or conferences and seminars – along with other key directives – that will help the employee prepare for his or her next career move within the company. For instance, opportunities for job shadowing and mentoring are offered. And, stretch assignments can be assigned to help build leadership or technical skills. What a great way to really learn, hands-on!
But, my mom is a Baby Boomer. She’s retiring this year after working the same job for nearly 40 years. Like others in her generation, she values hard work and her job has defined much of her adult life. In fact, when she submitted her retirement papers she said to me, “What will I do? I’ve never not worked.”
For me, as a Gen Xer with Gen Y tendencies, I’ve held several different jobs over the past 20 years – each progressing me forward in my search for the best fit. Along the way I’ve gained valuable skills and sought the company where I felt at home, where I could grow my career while caring for my family, a place that would value my skills yet help me achieve a greater work-family balance.
At Sodexo, I have seemingly found a great fit. Not only am I fortunate enough to work from home and avoid all the stress of my former commute, but my boss is keenly interested in recognizing my skills and my potential. She wants to see me succeed and plays an active role in pushing me towards my potential.
Throughout my mom’s career she has had good bosses and bad. She’s had some encourage her interests in taking college courses and others who have questioned her every move. It’s no surprise that she’s developed an instinct to question authority when changes are encouraged or, often, insisted upon in her role. After all, there could be some motive behind those actions.
So when I explained to my mom that the Talent Review process is actually an extremely positive and proactive approach towards managing my career, she felt a little better. I clarified for her that our conversation about other possible positions in the company is not intended as a means to “get rid of me,” but more of a development tool to find the path for my future career.
Still, she’s my mom. And she worries. And I often sigh into the phone, “Mom, everything is fine. Stop worrying!” But, one day, I’m sure I’ll have the same conversation with my children who will tell me not to worry. Just don’t tell my mom. In the meantime, I feel optimistic about my future at Sodexo – knowing that my options are nearly limitless.
1 comments:
Trish, I feel the same when talking with my parents, and I'm sure most of GenXers feel this way too. Today it's very important to offer this opportunity to employees (and potential candidates) in order to keep them loyal and engaged to the company. Unfortunately, within small businesses there are not real opportunities for career advancement like there is in corporations, which becomes a challenge for both employer and employee sometimes.
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