For several months, I’ve been collaborating on several projects with my friend Carol Ross. Our collaboration has been virtual, relying on phone, e-mail, webcam, twitter and other social media tools. However, this week, we had the opportunity to work together, face-to-face, at my home office in Beautiful Decatur, Georgia.
It was a fabulous experience that not only moved the work forward on our biggest project to date, but also contributed to deepening our already solid partnership. As Carol says in this segment of a video we shot, we have translated shared interests into a collaboration that leads to the benefits of a “real job.”
Welcome to the new way to work! Fading fast, for increasing numbers of people, is an organization-driven model for hiring and long-term employment. In it’s place? Network-driven work opportunities generated by your community and taking many different forms. Yes, we are increasingly part of free agent nation, the land first described by Dan Pink in a 1997 Fast Company article and subsequent book. It is a land where you can reach across the web to connect, engage, and collaborate - finding satisfying work while bringing value to your shared brand communities.
Living in a free agent nation, changes everything. Even work inside of organizations. Unlike work environments of the past, the new way of working is not about being guided by your boss or job description. Nor is it about compliance. And it certainly isn't about keeping your head down. Rather, as pointed out by Seth Godin, in his recent book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, it’s about standing up and bringing your talents to the task at hand!
We are at time where you truly need to gain the personal clarity that allows you to be author of your own career, and able to tell your story in a compelling and meaningful way to the people who look to you for the value you can bring. So, get clear about who you are, what you offer, and the people you serve - and live your story!
