#42 – What’s Next?

The bell has rung. Last drinks for 2021.

Workplaces are closing up, I’m scrambling to get everything done before the break, the MCG are stocking up on mid-strengths for Boxing Day.

One day my kids might ask me what was 2021 like? I think after about an hour of explaining the Melbourne Premiership to them, the word uncertain will spring to mind.

We waded through the smoke, unsure of what was to come, until suddenly we were face-to-face with it.

Whether we stuck it out for the year, tried something new, had to bounce back, or took a little time off for self-care; we all deserve a pat on the back for getting here.

I can’t help but think about what 2022 has in store for us. To be honest, I have no idea.

We can’t control 2022, but as Charles Darwin once said: ‘it is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change.’

The same is true of businesses and careers. The juggernaut business with great profits won’t last if they don’t embrace the latest technology. That’s why people under 20 don’t know what a Blockbuster is, but they all have a Netflix subscription (or at least found someone who has one).

It’s not enough for a lawyer to just know the law – we have to know legal software, write a blog piece for the website, balance a trust account and resolve office conflicts.

So what can we do? If we can’t predict 2022, we can be ready to tackle whatever comes our way by brushing up on a few vital skills.

This piece lists some skills we can work on to heighten our adaptability, but I’ll give a shout-out to:

• Listening – get a sense of the issues or trends around you;

• Problem-solving – find a way to get around or utilise what you heard; and

• Communicating – presenting your solution to the people around you so it can be adopted.

If we can do that and stay vigilant, we can adapt to any situation and make change our friend.

Or to use Dr Seuss’ words:

Next week: New Year’s Leave