Discussion on:

How to get a derailed executive career back on track

And am so happy I'm back doing technical/scientific work with no management component... Smaller paycheck but more free time, no responsibility for personnel and no more gastric reflux ... Priceless!

Sometimes I think we get it in our heads that we've failed if we don't go back and do exactly what it was we were grinding away at before. Get over that and the sky's the limit!

I know this is a variation on the topic but I've led large teams, managed big budgets, and run a bunch of mission critical projects without having an executive title.

How do I convince people to pay more attention to my track record than my previous titles?

Thanks

Fantastic article! This is definitely a segment of the "in transition" population that is overlooked. People hear the word "executive" and assume many things: bloated salaries, large savings account, corner office. But that, as you pointed out, is absolutely incorrect. Many displaced executives are managers, not big-wigs. The tips you offered were excellent. As the owner of a small boutique recruiting firm I have given this advice myself on several occasions. In an article I wrote recently entitled "Professional Values- What do you stand for in your career?" I discuss many of the ideas you addressed. Most importantly, I talk about a client finding his or her "Professional DNA". (http://www.turningpointsearch.net/resources/articles/) This is a job seeker's Drive, Nice and Accomplishments. The time for companies to hire a ???jack of all trades" has come and gone. They are looking for experts that can offer their company something that no one else can. By identifying your own Professional DNA you can show an employer what you have to offer and why you stand out above others.
Thank you for this well-written and insightful article.
Ken C. Schmitt

I am one of the casualties of this topic. I too have led teams and managed large budgets than received a pat on the shoulder and thanked for all my hard work without a parachute. Well, maybe a lead parachute. This article has brought to light something I am aware of but have yet to overcome. I've excelled in the jack-of-all trades arena even before I entered the dark room of middle management. A hard realization to no longer maintain this once valued skill set that an employer does not currently acknowledge. I can accept this to some degree but ultimately understanding the big picture is huge especially in a leadership role. I feel this is a trend as a result of an economy where it is an employer market. I will not go down with the ship. I have returned to school to hone the "specialized" skills. l will continue to demonstrate the value of maintaining a breadth of knowledge because at the end of the day an employer will expect that even from someone with specific skills.