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Do we need Alternative Management Styles

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by susanne.moore 1 view

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I thought that I was the only one who was dissatisfied with current management methods, particulary in the Information Technology industry were projects are commonplace.

I also thought that I was the only one struggling to find a job - but not so! Many people that I know are highly qualified professionals who are struggling. They don't seem to fit the standard mould, are extremely skilled and capable people, most senior in the information technology industry.

The differences between them and someone else looking for work seems to be their lack of desire to go "back into" the same job situation that they had before. Maybe its just an age thing and they are looking for "more" out of life.

I wonder if the dynamically changing, flexible and mobile environment that we have created is causing additional stress in professionals that has not yet been identified.

More and more indivuals contact me for support and advice. These include technical IT professionals, organisational change and trainers, skilled senior project managers and sales people. What is going on? Is this an Australian trend or are people the world over re-evaluating their careers and struggling to make sense of their working purpose?

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by shanghai sam

Susanne,

Everything you say is true and, yes Australia (and the World) has changed dramatically in recent years, eg
- need for academic credentials to get a job
- the downplaying of "years of experience"
- promotion of young Grads over "old hands"

In writing the above l acknowledge the difficult situation all potential employees face today when seeking work and/or promotion (whether in IT or commerce generally).

Such a situation has occurred as result of globalisation, economic rationalism, and the removal of tariff barriers/protection, etc and we can't turn back the clock.. the die has been set and the whole dynamic of Work and employment has changed for ever.

The Dot Com bubble has burst but organisations still seek to operate at Internet speed, viz "time to market" is the paramount criterion as is the perception that graduate employees are the only ones with the "mindset" that's open or receptive to workplace change and the new-tech way of operating in the Second Millenium.

As an example, the financial house that l work for has just introduced a Global Policy to the effect that promotion will only be given to Mgrs with a degree or, to Mgrs who are studying for one.. and, they will not appoint an applicant to a managerial role unless they too have a degree.

l think you'll find such entry criterion becoming more commonplace too.. feedback on situation in USA / Europe would be interesting.

As to your last para, l feel that everyone from the Executive level downwards are asking the same questions about the sense or meaning of work as we're now experiencing..

Consider the rich source of material now available online at such sites as FastCompany, or Make a Life, Make a Living which both squarelyaddress the work/life balance dichotomy.

Recommended reading and mental nourishment for all:
www.FastCompany.com
www.drmark@makingalife.com

Rgds
Dcn

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