book.chapter Embracing the stretch mandate

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, a series of significant trends are already shaping the future of employment. This means that individuals must continually adjust their career expectations to accommodate these emerging realities. The concept of the STRETCH imperative breaks down into three critical personal imperatives that are essential for career development in the current era. Jim Clifton, the chairman and CEO of Gallup, provides a compelling overview of the current state of the American workforce. According to Clifton, out of approximately 100 million individuals in the United States who are employed full-time, 30 million, which equates to 30 percent, are engaged and find inspiration in their work, presumably due to effective leadership. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are about 20 million, or 20 percent, of employees who are actively disengaged, largely due to poor management, and these individuals tend to spread their dissatisfaction within the workplace. The remaining 50 million, or 50 percent, of American workers are not engaged; they merely exist within their roles without feeling inspired by their work or their managers. Contrary to the implications of Gallup's findings, the responsibility for managing one's career does not solely rest on the shoulders of one's boss. To maximize the potential of one's career, it is imperative that individuals take proactive steps to advance their career. By actively engaging in career development, individuals will soon encounter seven megatrends that will significantly influence the nature of future employment opportunities: Globalization is rapidly transforming the global economic landscape. McKinsey estimates that within the next fifteen years, nearly two-thirds of the global population will belong to the middle class, and half of the world's largest companies will be based in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, and Eastern European countries. Demographic shifts are occurring worldwide, with most countries experiencing declining birth rates and improvements in healthcare. This results in aging populations and increased diversity in the workforce. The explosion of data is unprecedented, with experts predicting a more than 4,300 percent increase in data volume between 2009 and 2030. The ability to mine this data for valuable insights will become increasingly crucial. Emerging technologies, such as driverless cars and 3D printing, are revolutionizing traditional manufacturing processes and expanding the use of robots in customer service roles. Climate change poses significant challenges, with the OECD estimating that by 2050, over 40 percent of the global population will face severe floods or droughts. This will necessitate the relocation of manufacturing facilities to areas with lower risks of climate-related disasters. The redefinition of job descriptions reflects the changing nature of work. Instead of long-term employment with a single company, individuals with in-demand skills will be hired for specific projects, and freelancing will become more common. The increasing complexity of work, due to more stringent government regulations and consumer demands for customized products, is making it more challenging for organizations and individuals to balance competing demands. These seven megatrends are collectively reshaping the employment landscape, leading to a situation where many workers are unaware of the "sell-by date" attached to their careers. The jobs that once offered middle- and high-income opportunities are being replaced by roles that leverage new technology and are filled by lower-income workers. George W. Crane aptly noted, "There is no future in any job. The future lies in the person who holds the job." This sentiment is echoed by Karie Willyerd and Barbara Mistick, who emphasize that while one's skills may have an expiration date, one's dreams do not. The critical question is not whether one's career has a sell-by date, but rather what actions are being taken to extend that date. The reality of today's workplace can be distilled into three imperatives that collectively represent the most effective approach to building a career in the current era: The onus is on the individual to take control of their career development. While many organizations express a desire for better-trained employees, few have well-managed programs in place to achieve this goal. Individuals aspiring to employability and leadership positions in the future must take the initiative to pursue their own education and career development opportunities. Creating options for future employment is essential, even for those with a clearly defined career path. The inevitability of change necessitates the development of multiple plans for future employment, beyond just a Plan A and Plan B. Pursuing one's dreams is crucial, regardless of the career path chosen. To maintain motivation and make a meaningful impact in the world, despite inevitable setbacks, individuals need resilience and the right mindset. This final practice ties directly back to the imperative of following one's dreams. In conclusion, the landscape of the future workplace is being actively shaped by a series of megatrends. To navigate this evolving environment successfully, individuals must embrace the STRETCH imperative, which emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's career development, creating multiple options for future employment, and pursuing one's dreams with resilience and the right mindset.