The next few years will reveal pathways to choices and opportunities that will enable new possibilities for relevant individuals and organizations, more so than any other period in recent history. Relevance means being prepared with, perhaps, new knowledge and skills. The emergence and use of Artificial Intelligence should not be a threat but more of an enabler. Those who invest time in remaining or becoming even more relevant will develop their competitive advance without fear of the looming possibility of becoming irrelevant, obsolete, replaced or displaced.

This period that we are experiencing is one of rapid changes, transformation and innovation. For the individual, it is not so much a matter of what is possible, but rather why and how one might engage and participate in the new possibilities. The organization or business will benefit from relevant individuals who place value on research and study, strategic thinking and planning, innovative ideas, and a willingness to participate in a more performance-based culture/environment. The idea of a stable job is complimented by the new thinking that places more value on freedom, flexibility and fair rewards for measurable performance. This is the essence of a more entrepreneurial economy composed of a growing number of individual entrepreneurs who will help to define the new economy. 

Characteristics of Relevancy Include:

1. Strong beliefs, principles, & values aligned with a clear purpose.
2. Understanding that serving people is an essential priority, creating an atmosphere where others can benefit, grow, and thrive as well.
3. Continuous Learning.
4. Effective Communication Skills.
5. Strategic Simplicity.

There are other characteristics of relevancy that you might want to include. Adding your personal thoughts to what you believe to be most important will add clarity and provide guidelines for you or your organizations to follow.

We are experiencing a period of rapid change. Any thoughts or hopes about “back to normal” is not a healthy mindset. Avoiding tough facts and waiting for a return to what was will not produce the growth necessary to retain and grow relevancy.

Simplicity is predicted to win over complexity. Technology enables us to do more with less. Winning starts with developing a mindset for winning, building a belief and commitment to winning.  Continuous learning is not dependent upon us having to wait for someone else to show us how to do something that we do not know how to do at present. The smartphone, tablet or computer now provides us with learning opportunities at any time from anyplace. Relevance is more of a choice supported by a commitment to be relevant regardless of the current circumstance.