by Rajat Raheja, Division President, Amdocs India
We are truly living in a transformative era! The rapid pace at which evolving technologies like GenAI are disrupting the way businesses operate and grow, it’s safe to say it will significantly change the way we work in coming years.
Mastering the current role is no longer enough; to truly thrive, we need to consistently upgrade our skills and stay adaptable for what’s next. Staying ahead requires adaptability to thrive in the present and prepare for upcoming challenges.
Let’s explore the unconventional approach of making ourselves “current-role redundant” while ensuring we stay “future relevant”. Though seemingly counterintuitive, this concept is a crucial catalyst for personal growth and career progression.
Understanding the Upside of Redundancy
Embracing redundancy is a strategic move that requires a shift in mindset. It’s about fostering an environment where one proactively shares one’s knowledge and skills, thus empowering the team to operate effectively without that said one’s presence.
While being the only one capable of performing specific tasks may seem like a testament to your indispensability, it can inadvertently tether you to your current position, stunting potential growth opportunities. This brings to mind the saying, “If one is not replaceable, one is not promotable.” Undoubtedly, you should be dedicated to your present role but still try to stay relevant in the future by adapting, growing, and capitalizing on new opportunities.
Staying future-relevant demands a commitment to continuous upskilling and reskilling. This is the only way out for professionals who wish to keep themselves relevant and adaptable in the face of rapid technological advancements. While AI tools will automate certain tasks and render some roles redundant, they will also generate new job opportunities. These emerging roles will require different skills that many current employees may need to gain.
In the coming years, the skills gap will emerge as a significant concern as the present workforce isn’t fully equipped for the jobs of the future. By 2025, reskilling will become a necessity for about 50% of all employees, as the core skills required for their roles are expected to change by approximately 40%. By staying updated on technological advancements, professionals can better prepare themselves to transition seamlessly into these new roles.
A recent Deloitte survey highlighted that almost 74% of organizations found reskilling their workforce important or very important to their success, while 90% of employees believe that they need to refresh their skills on an annual basis at the very least.
Moving to Knowledge Dissemination from Knowledge Concentration:
An important aspect of continuous learning is how it enriches the dynamics of a team. Along with personal upskilling, cultivating a knowledge-sharing environment within the team promotes efficient succession planning and prepares team members for future roles.
One common trait among successful leaders is their ability to make themselves dispensable, enabling them to tackle bigger challenges and assist more people, confident in the knowledge that the team they’ve built will continue to thrive and uphold the mission. A few ways of enhancing the cumulative knowledge of team can include:
- Mentorship Programs: In a mentorship program, seasoned team members can mentor those who are newer or less experienced, accelerating their learning process and helping them sidestep common mistakes.
- Offering Critical Exposure: The most important trait required for career progression/growth is to offer cross-domain experience to team professionals. Its imperative that a professional gets diverse exposure across organizational functions.
- Harnessing The Power of Technology: Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, Google Workspace have made it conducive for team members to flexibly create repository of knowledge documents, making it easy to exchange information and collaborate on projects. Regular webinars or virtual ‘lunch and learn’ sessions can also be a great way to share insights and experiences.
Being Replaceable = Being Progressable
It’s important to understand that you are your biggest competitor. Real success equates to the value you bring to a team and your ability to surpass your past achievements.
As we look ahead, the future is brimming with unprecedented opportunities. The need of the hour is to collectively embrace continuous learning and upskilling, ensuring we are equipped to seize these opportunities and remain relevant in the ever-evolving professional landscape.
