Crossroads

In the 1986 American coming of age film Crossroads the Juilliard student Eugene ultimately wins a guitar duel for two souls by falling back on his classical training and performing music that his opponent cannot match. He has a portfolio of skills that give him the ability to succeed against adversity.

Career coaching is a growing specialisation of business coaching that focuses on coachees who face a crossroads in their career.

This can be a crossroads that is self-identified through planning or reached unexpectedly. Alternatively it is a crossroads given to them on a map provided by their employer.

Is it time to leave the perceived stability and security of a large organisation and establish their own business, is it time to retire, should they take the promotion as it means an overseas posting far away from the political nexus of head office.

These are all major decisions and ones which have long-term implications for family members, social networks and financial security.

Career coaching gives the coachee the space to consider the pros and cons of each option and maybe discover alternatives.  It can facilitate a ‘MapMyCareer’ exercise, track progress and is there when the unexpected happens and the plan needs rebooting.

The future of work will require new skills and but also the ability for people to use old new skills in new ways and, like Eugene, succeed against adversity.