Forced development:
The best thing that could happen to you?
Blog by
Arjan Elijzen
Forced development. That doesn’t sound appealing, does it? At MEPD, we deal with it every day. More than half of my cases involve people who have been laid off. They are told that they will no longer work for the organization they have dedicated themselves to for quite some time. For many, it feels like their world is falling apart. And this can trigger intense emotions. Yet, after just a few conversations, we manage to get our participants to see opportunities and discover new possibilities!
No choice?
During the first conversation with a participant, there is room for emotions of any kind (anger, sadness, defeat). Participants often say: I have no choice. But they do; they chose outplacement. How strong is that! They accept the help that is offered. That is the first step. In the second meeting, I often still see emotions, but there is also a growing sense of mutual trust. By not judging, working together towards acceptance, and looking at the future with an open mind, we create tools to work towards that new opportunity in the job market. Recently, a participant said so fittingly: ‘You are my lifeline. I was drowning when I walked in, but you helped me climb back onto the shore.’ Those are beautiful moments in guiding people.
From work through development to work
My goal is not so much to guide people ‘from job to job’, but to help people ‘from a job through development to a job’. I find the most satisfaction in literally seeing people grow. In how they communicate, gain more self-confidence, and radiate it, too. This reminds me of a man I guided. He came in with slumped shoulders, eyes fixed on the table, and tears streaming down his cheeks. That really moved me. Especially when he came in for the third session; upright, looking me in the eye, telling me about the great steps he had taken. That makes me truly proud. In the end, that’s why I get up in the morning: to guide and help people grow and develop; and I also love to see the results.
Together, funneling which door we will take
The qualities scan, which we often use in outplacement, provides insight into participants’ behaviors and motivators. For many, it feels like a journey of recognition. Moreover, this insight is extremely helpful when (forcibly) unemployed: they develop a better sense of their possibilities and what they truly enjoy (motivators). This is often when I see participants ‘turn around’ in the process: from forced development to seeing the opportunity they now have. Together, we funnel down to the door we’re going to take. Anything is possible.
Mission accomplished
Perhaps this is the best phase in life: discovering who you are with all your qualities and positive sides, but also your pitfalls. Your identity is no longer tied to what you do, but to who you are—and the value you add to the company you’re going to work for or are already working for. And then my mission is accomplished! Offering the right tools and handles at just the right time. I am totally convinced: Forced development, it’s the best thing that could happen to you.
Arjan Elijzen
Career coach
It makes me happy every time to really make a difference for people. With my background in technical knowledge and years of experience in job placement, I am able to relate to both employers and employees.
