What do you do if your personal brand suffers during a layoff in Higher Education?
Layoffs in higher education can be a challenging time, especially when it comes to maintaining your personal brand. This intangible asset, which encompasses your reputation, expertise, and the value you provide, is crucial for your career progression. When facing a layoff, it's essential to take proactive steps to protect and rebuild your personal brand. By understanding the strategies to navigate through this difficult period, you can emerge even stronger in the academic community or transition smoothly into a new sector.
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JOSÉ ROBERTO REALEAdvogado - Procurador do Município Aposentado. Ex- Professor Universitário. Pullin de Araújo Advogados…
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Albert Barreto da Gama 🎯Gestor/ Educador/ Estou como Coordenador de Educação e Treinamento no Grupo Energisa com habilidades em liderança e…
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Dr. Aarti Mehta SharmaDirector and Associate Professor at Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies
When you're laid off, it's vital to assess how it affects your personal brand. Consider the narrative that's forming around your layoff. Is it part of a larger institutional downsizing, or could it be perceived as a reflection of your performance? Communicate openly with your network about the situation, emphasizing the broader context and your ongoing commitment to your field. This transparency helps maintain trust and control the story associated with your brand.
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Upskill, learn something new. This will keep you positive and add to your resume. Also, leverage your network for opportunities which may or may not be full time.
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A demissão em qualquer atividade, causa impacto muito grande , principalmente na saúde mental. No professor universitário, até mais, haja vista que poderia estar no meio de uma importante pesquisa acadêmica, quando isso acontecer. E acontece não só por falta de desempenho ou capacidade, mas, muitas vezes devido a aquisições e fusões das instituições de ensino superior, que sempre mudam ou diminuem despesas nessa fase. É importante uma rede de networking para rápida recolocação.
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Remember that people aren’t thinking about you. :) they are thinking about themselves. It’s just human nature. Don’t talk about it publicly. Let it fade away. Network, publish a paper you’ve been procrastinating on. Take one big step a day toward staying connected and relevant.
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Quando somos demitidos, é crucial avaliar como isso afeta a nossa marca pessoal. Devemos considerar a narrativa que está se formando em torno da nossa demissão. Será que ela faz parte de um downsizing institucional maior, ou poderia ser percebida como um reflexo do nosso desempenho? É importante analisar esses aspectos para garantir que a nossa imagem não seja prejudicada de forma injusta. Lembre-se de que a forma como lidamos com essa situação também influenciará a percepção das pessoas sobre nós. Mantenha a calma, seja assertivo e busque oportunidades para reforçar a sua reputação, mesmo em momentos difíceis como esse.
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Being laid off is an opportunity to calculate and reassess. The change will sharpen your emotional intelligence. Review your professional contribution to your current higher education community, while embracing the curiosity of what's new. Read to keep informed, network for awareness and explore while appreciating travel opportunities. Always think of yourself as a work in progress. Keep moving forward with anticipated ideals, while reflecting on the valuable lessons of the past.
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This is not a concern for most tenured faculty. If you have done industry consulting and have a lot of graduates you would probably soon find a position somewhere else in either industry or academia.
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Do you mean my personal brand (because I don't have one as I'm a person and not a commodity) or my employer's personal brand? If the latter then if I was them I'd consider investing in people rather than headlines and maybe consider carefully your future rather than going for short term gains with dubious partners that ultimately causes you to have to get rid of people. Remember that group you used to say were your biggest asset?
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Reinvest in yourself, your brand, and your colleagues. Rediscover and realign with the institutional mission that initially drew you in and DOUBLE DOWN. This is the perfect time to emphasize your talents and skills while exploring and enhancing new ones. Know that you aren't alone in the "turbulence" of change, and that change isn't always pretty. Tap into your network and leverage your community. Above all, maintain your mental health!
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Trusted networks are so valuable, which is why making a friend before you need a friend is a good motto to live by. When you feel your reputation may have suffered, a good litmus test is to tap into that trusted network to hear what they are hearing, to bounce potential outcomes off them, and to think through how the negative impact could be turned into a learning and improvement opportunity. Layoffs happen many times for issues unrelated to employee quality too, so creating a narrative that is honest but positive should be the ultimate goal.
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Less employment in higher education is one of the major trend which can be predicted even years ago. I worked in universities as an Associate Professor for more than 15 years and I quit my job back in year 2021. Not because I predicted layoff, but simply because I deeply felt my professional knowledge and skill sets were no longer something that could arm me for the future at that time. Now, layoff or unemployment in higher education areas is happening and is going to happen more obviously in five to ten years. Take the courage to face it and train your brain with a strong growth mindset, for me, are the two crucial steps.
Staying connected with your professional network is crucial during a layoff. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts to keep them informed about your situation and your plans. Attend conferences, seminars, and networking events to stay visible and engaged with the latest trends and discussions in your field. Active participation in these communities can reinforce your brand as someone who is resilient and dedicated to continuous learning and contribution.
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A manutenção de uma rede ativa de networking e grupos de professores universitários é fundamental quando acontece a temida demissão. Manter essa rede de apoio fará com que você logo se recupere e encontre nova colocação no mercado.
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Manter-se conectado com sua rede profissional é essencial durante uma demissão. Não se esqueça de entrar em contato com colegas, mentores e contatos da indústria para mantê-los informados sobre sua situação e seus planos. Afinal, é sempre bom ter uma rede de apoio e oportunidades esperando por você, mesmo nos momentos mais desafiadores da carreira. Lembre-se: quem tem amigos, tem tudo!
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Manter um network é a melhor maneira de se recolocar mais rápido e endossar sua imagem perante os empregadores. Uma dica. Se engana quem acredita que deve manter seu network restrito ao seguimento em que atua. As carreiras se movimentam e quanto maior for o leque de opções melhor. Mantenha bons contatos, sejam eles se qualquer segmento.
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Durante uma transição profissional, manter uma rede de contatos ativa e engajada pode ser fundamental. Ao se conectar regularmente com colegas, mentores e profissionais da sua área, você não apenas mantém esses relacionamentos, mas também pode descobrir novas oportunidades e insights. Participar de eventos de networking e conferências relevantes também pode ajudar a expandir sua rede e conhecimento, mostrando seu comprometimento com o crescimento profissional
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Be brave to face the cruel reality and talk with your families, friends, co-workers and also strangers who share the same reality is the first step to force yourself to have a clearer picture of your current difficulties. Then, make a plan. Meet more new people and share with them your experience while also learning theirs. Collect new insights as mush as you can and you will find there are so much to learn from others. Isolate yourself is the last thing you want to do.
Updating your personal branding materials is a practical step following a layoff. Revise your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile to reflect your current situation and aspirations. Focus on highlighting your achievements, skills, and the unique value you bring to the table. A refreshed personal brand can help you stand out to potential employers and collaborators, showing that you are adaptable and forward-thinking.
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Atualizar seus materiais de marca pessoal é uma etapa prática e essencial após um desligamento. Ao revisar seu currículo, carta de apresentação e perfil do LinkedIn, você estará se preparando para refletir sua situação atual e suas aspirações futuras. Lembre-se, sua marca pessoal é sua oportunidade de se destacar e mostrar ao mundo o seu valor único. Não perca essa chance de brilhar!
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As an employee, many of us neglect to build a personal brand. For example on LinkedIn, many of us refer to ourselves as <position title> and University ABC. It’s not until we face a change like a layoff until we realize that our identity or brand shouldn’t be solely based on our occupation or our employer. A layoff provides a great time to build a personal brand. Consider both the type of things that you like to do and what you are good at. Create your brand at the intersection of those. Also use the full suite of tools to build out your brand. AI can be great for brainstorming headlines and even writing an about you section. Also consider reading Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller.
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Update your personal brand by highlighting your strengths, skills, and achievements. Revise your resume and LinkedIn profile with current information. Network with industry contacts and stay connected. Be honest about your layoff, showing resilience. Emphasize new skills and projects. Stay informed about job opportunities. Adjust your branding to reflect your strengths and experiences. This helps you stand out in the job market and shows adaptability. Keep your message clear and concise. With updated branding, you can reposition yourself effectively and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
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Reformular sua imagem profissional é crucial após um período de transição. Ajuste seu currículo, carta de apresentação e perfis online para refletir suas metas e habilidades atualizadas. Destaque suas realizações e o valor que você pode oferecer de forma única. Uma marca pessoal bem elaborada pode fazer a diferença ao se apresentar a potenciais empregadores, destacando sua adaptabilidade e visão estratégica.
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Atualizar de tudo de forma a manutenção da organização e apresentação de forma a demonstrar certa autoridade na temática que se propõe a desenvolver .
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You control your narrative. Maintain the "laundry list" resume that captures EVERYTHING you've done, and use this to pull out the specific narrative you want to share when rebuilding your brand, your professional documents, and your digital footprint. Showcase the positive, always stay active, and the hiccups in your professional timeline will be counterbalanced.
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Develop a growth mindset and make it strong. layoff is a sign of failure, which makes you painful but at the same time, offers you opportunities to look back the journey you walked and improve. We all need failure to make the next breakthrough. The key is to stand up again and challenge yourself. Summarize your previous experience and improve what you are lack of, no matter it is skills, knowledge or new insight you want to put it on paper. Upgrade yourself while upgrade your brand. Make it new and fresh in higher education and provide new value for your potential students.
One way to strengthen your personal brand during a layoff is to share your expertise. Write articles, blog posts, or contribute to academic journals to showcase your knowledge and insights. Offering guest lectures or webinars can also demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. These activities not only enhance your visibility but also solidify your reputation as a thought leader in your area of specialization.
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Uma excelente estratégia para fortalecer sua marca pessoal durante uma demissão é compartilhar sua expertise. Escrever artigos, posts em blogs ou contribuir para revistas acadêmicas pode ser uma ótima maneira de mostrar seus conhecimentos e insights. Além disso, oferecer palestras ou webinars como convidado também pode demonstrar sua expertise e comprometimento com a área. Aproveite essas oportunidades para destacar sua experiência e se manter relevante no mercado de trabalho.
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Personal brand is personal to you. The place of work - is YOUR decision. So “layoff” is NOT a reflection of you. Do you know the reason of lay-off ? Find that first. If the feedback indicates there is scope of skill updation or new skill learning - you need to first acknowledge that - or not acknowledge! Because many times what you have and are proud of - may not what the organisation needs at that moment. Now if you do find that you need to upskill - join an online course or meet a mentor / guide and go for it! Meanwhile - world is a huge vast place. Expand your horizon and hunt for the opportunity to serve the organisation that values your skill set.
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Personal brand is personal to you. The place of work - is YOUR decision. So “layoff” is NOT a reflection of you. Do you know the reason of lay-off ? Find that first. If the feedback indicates there is scope of skill updation or new skill learning - you need to first acknowledge that - or not acknowledge! Because many times what you have and are proud of - may not what the organisation needs at that moment. Now if you do find that you need to upskill - join an online course or meet a mentor / guide and go for it! Meanwhile - world is a huge vast place. Expand your horizon and hunt for the opportunity to serve the organisation that values your skill set.
Seeking feedback from trusted peers can provide valuable insights into how your personal brand is perceived and what steps you could take to improve it. Engage in conversations with colleagues who understand your work and can offer constructive criticism. This feedback can help you refine your approach to networking, job searching, and personal branding, ensuring that you present yourself in the best possible light.
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Feedback is often given, but rarely received well. Make sure that you center yourself when looking to seek feedback. Ask those you trust and appreciate so that you know their feedback is coming from a caring and supportive space, but emphasize that you want them to be candid and straight forward. It can hurt, but if you remember that the feedback you are receiving is a tool to improve yourself, and it is coming from caring members of your circle, you can lean into knowing that these are opportunities to improve how others outside your circle receive you professionally and/or socially.
If necessary, consider pivoting strategically to align with new opportunities. Assess the skills and experience you have that can be transferred to other roles within or outside higher education. Be open to exploring different paths where you can apply your expertise in new ways. This adaptability not only demonstrates resilience but also broadens the scope of your personal brand, making you appealing to a wider range of professional opportunities.
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There are no straight lines in a lifetime. Career changes happen, but your ability to translate the experiences from one portion of your life to the next is a skill worth developing. It will allow you to see how you can apply learned skills and capacity to new and interesting opportunities, and also will help you "sell" yourself authentically and be strategic in how you apply yourself in those new realms.
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Whether it’s damage control or switching narratives, preserving your online brand is an important consideration to assist with future opportunities. The source of the perceived “damage” is essential to assess how to keep your brand respectable and continue networking-abilities. Certain perceived negatives like layoffs, especially those related to downsizing, are commonplace and can be easily explained (ex: RIF - reduction in force). However damage due to other aspects have to be more carefully assessed and controlled. Your personal brand (institute, company, or individual)are extremely valuable and should be treated accordingly. In some extreme cases, starting a brand over is necessary. Consider your audience when making decisions.
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Brands and strategies are not at all in short supply. Whenever and whenever there is the will, there is a way. Furthermore, the only constant is change. It is expected and normative for Higher Education needs and demands to change cognizant of stakeholder positioning. Gone are the days when curricula would be designed and created without consideration of the daily changing demands of Industry and Society. Isn't it that the consumers of the products of Higher Education reside outside the usual locale of the adherents? Thus we are in the business of constantly ideating, creating, co-creating and interfacing with realities out there. We have to get out; inviting Higher Education stakeholders to enjoin our business.
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Keep an open mind is also crucial in improving yourself as well as transforming your career. No matter what the direction is when you upgrade your brand, do not limit yourself in certain format. Rich experience in higher education doesn't mean you can not get another breakthrough in another industry. The key is to have the capability to break the decadent ideas which circle you out of a group. You need to arm your brand to be good enough first!
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When I was growing up my grandparents and my parents would always emphasize the old adage of "not putting all my eggs in one basket". I've had to rely on a "new brand" several times. Now I can rebrand while incorporating my entire background. If more of us focused on diversifying ourselves, we wouldn't have to worry about layoffs. This isn't to diminish the initial impact of the layoff, but I taught myself carpentry skills during one of those periods in my life. I studied, watched videos and practiced. When I returned to education I brought something practical to the mix.
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The act of the pivot is incrementally essential to bouncing back after a loss of branding influence. Find a need and provide the solution through your expertise or connecting with someone with the expertise and collaborate ideas for pushing branding forward.
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