Changing the World of Work – Learning from the Past

The last 24 months have turned the world of work on its axis as advances in technology empower both top employees and savvy employers to harness the proliferation of social platforms to develop attractive and compelling “brands.” Toss in the impact of COVID-19 on the employment market over the past five months and we have an inflection point that is fundamentally changing the way talented professionals and vibrant firms find each other.

 “The best and the brightest are taking on the challenges of a rapidly changing world of work. Both employers and talented technical, professional, executive and managerial workers will thrive if they look to the past and fearlessly shine a light into the future,” says Bert Miller, President and CEO of MRI, a professional services and product development company that is home to a network of over 325 talent access firms around the globe.

Miller advises that in times of cultural and business stress, a platform built on “prudent boldness” can serve as a guide to growing companies and enhancing careers.

He suggests a careful look-back to 2008-2009. “If you could go back into the depth of the great recession with the power of hindsight, what would you have done differently for your firm or your career?” asks Miller. “Successful firms and bright employees understood the fundamental strength of the U.S. economy and the power of innovative, forward-looking and calming leadership even during the worst of the economic downturn.”

Miller notes that top performers have a sense of boldness and optimism and can see that the time to invest in a business or career is when most others are frozen by fear or indecision. He suggests that the boldness be tempered by a prudent approach to investment decisions. “Use a time of stress and crisis to double-down and invest in your fundamental strengths and have the strategic insight to trim or even eliminate non-core elements of your business,” Miller advises. “As a talented performer, don’t hesitate to look for new career opportunities at firms that your skills could help transform, even during the darkest part of the economic cycle.” Miller says that MRI is already practicing what he’s preaching. ”We have made a bold decision to invest significantly in the digital tools that talent advisory and search firms need to change lives – and entire industries – while simultaneously and prudently  transforming the core skills of our corporate support team to focus on improved delivery. I believe the future will prove that we were right to refuse to let uncertainty and fear inhibit our growth.”