The Changing Shape of Professional Relationships

The old way of staying in companies for 30 years then retiring with a gold watch has ended. People don't stay at one job their entire life anymore, nor do they tend to stay in one place for more than a few years at a time. This new dynamic has weakened professional relationships and the ability to develop mentors. The "currency of professional relationships" have lost value at least that's what Allison Hemming, president of the workforce agency The Hired Guns, said while speaking at Career Circus last Wednesday. But what does that mean for the professional looking to develop relationships, as the importance of networking hasn't lost its value. "As workers move nomadically from organization to organization in shorter stints, their ability to gain trust of individuals who can be influential in their career is greatly diminished," said Hemming in an email. "And workers may not have enough time in a particular role or at a company to fully prove themselves not just competent but exceptional." So basically, Hemming means that while the currency of your in-house professional relationships have dropped in value, the onus of going out and finding mentorship and references has fallen onto you. Instead of sitting passively by, you have to find people for advice and connections. But where do you find these connections, if not in the office? "Be sure to look for mentorship where you can get it - and expect to have to go outside your company to find advisors who can help you fill in gaps" said Hemming. "Mentors come in many shapes and sizes: Business Partners, Trade Associations, Alumni Groups, Former bosses/Colleagues. Curating an outstanding mentor pool is your responsibility - and that it's a two way street." Photo by pfala

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The Changing Shape of Professional Relationships

Ryan Derousseau

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Ryan Derousseau