Take These 2020 Lessons into 2021
The memes might be stale by now, but it’s hard to escape the reality: 2020 was a tough one. As a result, many people just want to forget the past 12 months. Don’t rush to put it out of your mind, though. The challenges you faced in 2020 can grant important lessons to take into 2021.
In other words, as hard as 2020 was to live through, don’t suppress the memories just yet. Whatever else happened, 2020 provided an excellent learning opportunity. Now it’s time to take that hard-won wisdom into the next chapter of your career.
But even recognizing the painful learning experience we all got in the past year, a major question remains: what lessons should we take? With such a complicated year, it can be hard to identify the correct takeaways.
With that in mind, here are some of the key lessons from 2020 we can take into 2021:
Be Ready for Anything
2020 changed the way people conceived of “visibility.” Suddenly, multi-year plans (even multi-month plans) became impossible. As a result, probably the only thing you can predict about 2021 is that it will be unpredictable. Because of this dynamic, go into the year as flexible as possible and be ready for anything.
Follow the News
You probably noticed that 2020 was a news-heavy year. You couldn’t just put your head down and concentrate on work. The wider world kept interrupting. You’ll probably see more of the same in 2021. Economic conditions will probably change quickly (and then probably quickly change again). To succeed, no need to keep up to date.
Don’t Get Comfortable
With a deadly pandemic running rampant, complacency could (quite literally) get you killed in 2020. Hopefully, the stakes will diminish in 2021. Still, it won’t be a good year to get comfortable and count on momentum. Given the economic stage set by the previous year, 2021 could be a year when contingency plans become crucial. At the same time, you’ll need to be ready to pounce on the opportunity. Stay alert and be ready for a changing environment.
Communication Is Key
With uncertainty likely to dominate the next 12 months, staying connected with other members of your team will remain crucial. Of course, the ongoing pandemic complicates the situation. Remote working and flexible production schedules will make staying in touch a challenging endeavor. Luckily, 2020 gave us a crash course in these skills. Further, enhance these communication abilities in 2021.
Search for Tech Upgrades
2020 was a year for the quick installation of new tech improvements. The need to ramp up remote working environments forced companies to accelerate their typical upgrade cycles. Because of this dynamic, you might have an opportunity to get an edge in 2021. By continuing to seek out new ways to enhance your technical backbone, you’ll be able to leapfrog the competition.
Seek Out New Skills
Tough times make your working life frustrating. However, they also provide an amazing learning opportunity. You’ll come out the other side better able to take advantage of any market conditions. Embrace this aspect of both 2020 and 2021. You should be able to pick up skills that will make future years that much easier.
Dealing with tough times become easier when there’s a perfect match between employer and employee. A strong recruiting firm, like SmartTalent, makes this possible.
Contact SmartTalent today to learn more.
