#1 – EGO
- • Loss of self-esteem, identity, self-worth, and self-concept
- • Embarrassment, shame, and “tarnished” image
- • Loss of control; feeling “out of control”
- • Used to making BIG decisions and having MAJOR impact
- • Keep your “usual life” going (family activities, volunteer, sports, hobbies, etc.)
- • Develop/recognize your worth OUTSIDE of the job
- • Be open to learning new things and taking small risks
- • Recognize the value and power of “baby steps” (doing the right things over and over)
- • Ask for support!
- • Not accustomed to doing all the day-to-day administrative tasks yourself
- • Lack some basic habits for details and logistics; organization of tasks, etc.
- • Technology impaired
- • Must think of everything/burdened with time-consuming planning and activities that used to be handled by support personnel
- • Get over it and get busy
- • Learn new behaviors and technical skills
- • Leverage technology and basic organizational tools
- • Respect and value the small tasks that support the whole process
- • Possibly hire someone to assist part-time, or get a volunteer to help with some tasks (friend, family member, etc.)
- • Search takes longer, and frustration can be greater
- • Simply less opportunities at this level; sometimes only one or two appropriate positions open in the entire country
- • Expand your scope, consider being more flexible, and possibly relocate
- • Consider taking a short-term step back in order to eventually move ahead
- • Explore consulting or starting/buying a business
- • Be more creative in developing your Target Company List and personal marketing plan
- • Difficult at all times, but especially tough in a bad economy
- • May be a threat to other senior employees
- • Be prepared (job-seekers’ toolkit!)
- • Be sure you talk to the right people, i.e., the ultimate decision makers
- • Research the target company and talk to contacts for compensation information
- • Collect data on actual salary ranges for the type of position you are seeking (salary web sites, industry journals, directories, etc.)
- • Do financial planning, including diversifying and developing other income streams
- • Seek flexible financial arrangements, such as an equity position, bonus income, or employment contract with bigger upside
- • Assume a “partnering” attitude rather than a “take control” attitude
- • Be realistic about what you NEED vs. what you WANT
- • Downshift your lifestyle to take the pressure off
- • Higher barrier of entry; difficult to get through senior executives’ gatekeepers
- • Human Resources is of little or no help
- • Join and participate in executive networking programs, boards of directors, and venture capital groups
- • Leverage relationships with search firms and other career contacts
- • Use your senior-level references and referrals
- • Focus on solutions and the added value you offer
- • Call-in favors and get help from senior-level friends and colleagues
- • Talk to hiring managers about ways you can help them reach THEIR business goals; positions are often created at this level
- • Develop a “Proposal for Service” and quantify the real value of your contributions
- • Staff members have been “paying dues” for years at the company, and are already in line to get the top job
- • Company does not want to take a risk bringing an outsider into such an important position
- • Company does not want to spend the money to conduct a search for an outside senior executive
- • Explain how being from the outside can be a strength; you can “broaden the gene pool”
- • Focus on companies that are open to bringing in outside management, and that have done it successfully before
- • Target troubled companies that might need your fresh perspective and specialized skills
- • Leverage your professional referrals and contacts
- • Research the internal structure of a company to determine how to best position yourself
- • High-level job openings often get national exposure
- • The more desirable the position, the more people are fighting for it
- • There is only ONE President or CEO (and perhaps only FIVE Senior VPs, etc.)
- • Leverage your professional referrals and contacts
- • In a tough economy, top people "stay put," so turnover is slower
- • Research a company’s culture and weaknesses; understand BOTH and sell to the company’s needs
- • Be totally prepared. Sell yourself HARDER (job-seekers' toolkit, accomplishment stories, etc.)
- • Do more networking with your “centers of influence”
- • Learn how to “rise above the crowd” and get an edge
- • Perceived as being too old, “washed-up” or “over the hill”
- • This concern can be expressed in many ways (i.e., “you’re overqualified”). Listen and watch carefully for the clues!
- • Refocus the employer on your qualifications, proven results, industry contacts, and experience – not age
- • Identify REAL issue underneath the age concern
- • Know the culture of the company: if no one there is over 40, don’t try to get hired at 64!
- • Target smaller companies that might appreciate your experience, contacts and credibility
- • Maintain/demonstrate your health, vitality, energy, and enthusiasm
- • Avoid “the R word” (retirement)
- • Be “tech-savvy,” up-to-date and informed about your industry
- • Convey your intention and commitment to stay at the company long-term
- • Losing a job at this level can be devastating (“the bigger they are, the harder they fall”)
- • Feeling “invulnerable” on the job ("layoffs won’t affect me; I am IN CHARGE!")
- • Don’t feel comfortable asking for help
- • Have been isolated and “cocooned” or “coddled” for too long
- • Hidden fear that maybe you really CAN'T hack it on the outside (been at same company/job so long)
- • Get over the DENIAL, “roll up your sleeves” and get busy
- • Do market testing to assess the real worth of your qualifications
- • Engage the services of a professional Career Consultant to get you on track and keep you accountable
- • Prepare a great portfolio of job-seeking tools
- • Pull your head “out of the sand” and deal with the reality of the situation
- • Rely on the ability and intelligence that got you to the top in the first place
- • Seek-out support as needed
- • Your failure seems greater – because you were higher up on the corporate ladder
- • Not being taken seriously as a job candidate (“she doesn't really need to work”)
- • Others project their own fears onto you, so they feel threatened
- • Others are in denial, not believing that your crisis is real
- • People act like you’re “contagious” (if YOU lost YOUR job, then no one is safe!)
- • Tell the story about your departure from the company (get comfortable with it)
- • Let everyone know that you’re OK with the situation
- • Gently “straighten people out” regarding your real situation (push back)
- • Be genuine, humble, relaxed, and real
- • Demonstrate positive attitude, faith, and perseverance in the search
- • Tell friends and family how their reactions affect you (positively or negatively)