How can you stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments in mid-career benefits negotiation?

Knowing increases with Knowledge. When you “know” more you are more more aware and that changes everything in your favour. According to Meta Mind Alignment, the new science of Leadership & Happiness, there are 6 faculties of the Mind. They are Wanting, Feeling, Thinking, Saying, Doing and Knowing. Knowing can change them all, individually and together. Growing one’s knowledge is a way towards creating mindsets and skill-sets for transformation. Knowing more comes with an attitude of continuous Learning. Apt application of knowledge in terms of expression (saying) and execution (doing) in alignment with what one knows gives results. Results when shown allows for growth, both personal and professional.

Networking is not ‘Not Working’. Conscious networking pays great dividends in the growth of one’s career. Personally, networking is a great way to build genuine relationships, which when done sincerely, gives meaning & happiness, and consequently helps propelling you towards your next-level success. According to research in Meta Mind Alignment, the new science of Leadership & Happiness, 80% of one’s happiness comes from harmonious, meaningful relationships, both personal & professional. Key mindsets associated with Networking are empathy, humility, authenticity, positivity, respect & compassion. Key skill-sets associated with Networking include communication, likeability & influence. All of these can be learned & internalised.

Together with close friends Ken Everett of Ken Everett International(Australia) started something called N2N in 2008. In 2008 it was advertised as a ‘forum for those building national and/or international networks' and targetted to the Learning/Talent Industry. There’s now 180 people in N2N, hailing from over 22 countries. We are a trusted community of Learning and Development networks and individuals who come together to help each other. Leading with gifts – gifts of listening, asking questions, sharing insight, respect, openness and vulnerability. To help each other craft the lives and businesses we desire. I have been a grateful beneficiary of this amazing group and highly recommend anyone to be a part of a networked community.

There is no end to growth. Up-skilling should be a personal responsibility. If your organisation provides you with an opportunity to up-skill, take advantage of it. If your organisation does not, don’t complain, instead, take charge of your growth yourself. According to Meta Mind Alignment, the new science of Leadership & Happiness, if you want to earn more and grow in your career or business you must add more perceived value. Consequently, to be able to contribute more, and to be valued for doing so, you must have more knowledge and skills. This is the way to Growth. Continuous learning, un-learning & re-learning while being adaptive to the ever-changing environments of challenges & goals are the keys to personal & professional growth.

One thing I have learnt is to join relevant professional organization or association that shares relevant industry trend, and being up-to date with relevant tech innovation particular to your field and industry.

For me, I find reading from different sources to be the most effective way of staying abreast. At the same time, observing trends at macro and micro economic level, growth trends, industry opinions and then finding opportunities to discuss it with colleagues and others in similar field helps me gain perspective and even validate the same.

Consider reverse mentoring too. Younger colleagues can offer fresh perspectives on tech and trends. This dynamic exchange keeps your benefits negotiation strategy agile and positions you as a forward-thinking professional.