Daniel H. Pink of "Free Agent Nation" writes "large permanent organizations with a fixed list of individuals make room for small, flexible networks with ever-changing talent collections." The way we do business is changing, and so is the mindset of the worker.
Along with the disappearance of corporate and government guarantees that protected our careers and our retirement, more and more people are seeing the importance of developing personal strategic plans. In order to pursue a satisfying career, achieve balance in areas that are important to us, and retire in the way we see fit, only our own planning and well-thought-out strategies will get us there.
Because our lives are complex, personal strategic planning goes beyond business / career planning and includes financial, ethical, family, mental, physical and social considerations. The point is, if we do not do this for ourselves, no one else will do it for us!
FREE AGENT THINKING
Although it is not clear how many people choose to work with more flexibility or independence (consultants, freelancers, individuals in 2-3 employee companies, telependers, part-time workers, etc.), there is a growing contingent of people in the workforce who think as Free Agent. . The mindset is found not only in the independent, but in employees who jump from project to project in a company and in those who change jobs every few years.
Free agents are driven by their desire for personal empowerment and ongoing learning and growth. They maintain a constant focus on accountability, networking and opportunities for collaboration. Free agents see themselves as the ability to challenge and shape their lives by defining success, working toward goals, and creating results.
LEARNING AND GROWTH
While many employees are aware that they have no choice but to continue learning, free agents thrive on the opportunity for ongoing personal and professional development. As education increases, confidence in the next career step increases. The more we know about our fields, the more we know about prospects and potential. Successful free agents know that they must continue to build on their strengths in order to differentiate themselves in the market.
RESPONSIBILITY
When you put your name on your business, you put yourself and your income on the line. Most people want to be held accountable if they can reap the benefits of success (even if there are penalties for failure). When you are only as good as your last project, there is a much greater focus on making each project excellent.
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