Anticipate and Execute

Welcome to Career Advise, the newsletter providing career advice, how-tos, and life musings through an optimistic and intriguing lens.

Each week, you will receive two newsletters written by the Oppstartr Team. Mondays — Our career-focused newsletter. Fridays — Out of Office where we discuss life and other thought-provoking ideas.

Today’s Pillar: Craft the Skills

The message I'm about to share might challenge traditional views, but at Oppstartr, we stand firm in our belief that the pursuit of technical skills without an equal focus on soft skills is a cause for concern. Today, soft skills are not merely advantageous; they are indispensable. Whether you're a college student, a recent graduate, or an experienced professional, the development of soft skills must be a top priority. At Oppstartr, we emphasize these skills through our fourth pillar, "Craft the Skills." In this volume of Career Advise, I’ll dive into a skill that transcends the boundaries of industries and positions — a skill that isn’t taught in the classroom. Let’s explore the art of anticipating and executing.

In a time where job descriptions often read like a wish list for unicorns, it's troubling to see an overemphasis on technical requirements. The laundry list of specific technical skills often overshadows core competencies. The truth is, the ability to anticipate issues, identify opportunities, and execute with precision is a universal skill that can elevate any professional journey.

Value Over Technicalities

At Oppstartr, we advocate for a shift in perspective. While technical skills are undoubtedly important, they can become outdated and replaced. On the contrary, soft skills will remain relevant throughout your entire career. While there’s nothing wrong with becoming a specialist in a particular technical domain, consider the broader tools you can add to your tool belt by being adaptable.

The skill of anticipating and executing is not confined to a specific industry or job title. It's a mindset — an approach that positions you as a proactive problem solver. When you focus on providing value, you set yourself apart. You demonstrate the qualities necessary to drive growth and navigate the ever-evolving business world.

A Skill for All Stages

Whether you're at the beginning of your career, navigating a mid-career transition, or in a longstanding leadership position, the ability to anticipate and execute is a skill you can continually develop. It stretches beyond traditional job training or academic coursework. It's about cultivating a mindset that seeks out challenges, identifies opportunities, and takes decisive steps to create impact.

Consider the CFO who, through keen anticipation, identifies a potential increase in raw material prices and outlines a plan to cut costs elsewhere, positioning the company in a prime position to weather the storm. Think about the recent architecture graduate who, by understanding industry trends, proposes the implementation of a new software program to combat outdated processes, showcasing the power of fresh perspectives.

In our conversations with clients, we highlight the importance of soft skills. Through the “Craft the Skills” pillar, we aim to empower all individuals in their current roles so they possess the appropriate skills to thrive in their future roles. Anticipating and executing is a skill that positions you as an invaluable asset to any team or organization.

Unraveling the Anticipate and Execute Mindset

The anticipate and execute mindset involves more than just reacting to situations as they arise. It's about anticipating challenges and opportunities and then executing to drive tangible results. Let's break down these two components:

Anticipate: The Power of Foresight

Anticipation involves staying ahead of the curve, seeing challenges before they become obstacles, and identifying opportunities before they are widely recognized. This requires a deep understanding of your industry, company, and the broader business world. It's about staying informed about emerging news and having the mindset to predict how this might impact your day-to-day work.

For instance, consider a cost estimator who anticipates roadblocks in a significant project by carefully analyzing the project timeline, identifying potential labor shortages thanks to a new competitor in the market, and addressing them before they hinder progress. This ability to handle issues before they escalate is critical in working toward the smooth execution of tasks.

Execute: Turning Vision into Action

Execution is the manifestation of your anticipatory skills. It involves translating your insights and plans into concrete actions. This requires a strategic mindset and an ability to navigate through uncertainty and ambiguity. Execution is about taking calculated risks and following through with persistence.

Imagine a marketing professional who, having anticipated a shift in consumer tastes, executes a targeted campaign that resonates with the changing demands of the complex market. The success of this campaign lies both in the anticipation and the execution of a well-crafted strategy.

Cultivating the Anticipate and Execute Mindset

Developing the anticipate and execute mindset is an ongoing process that involves a commitment to learning. Here are some practical steps to cultivate this skill:

• Stay Informed: Regularly update yourself on industry dynamics and new technologies. Read articles, attend conferences, and engage in continuous learning.

• Embrace Change: Develop a mindset that views change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Remain open to new ideas and cultivate a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

• Build Networks: Establish connections with professionals in your field. Networking provides valuable insights while opening up opportunities to collaborate with those you admire.

• Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors. Constructive feedback can provide insights into areas where you can improve your anticipatory and execution skills.

• Practice Decision-Making: Hone your decision-making skills by making thoughtful and timely decisions in your daily work. Consider the potential outcomes of your choices and learn from successes and failures.

The Key Takeaway 

Remember that this is not a skill reserved for a select few. It is a skill that can be acquired and refined by anyone. In the pursuit of career growth, technical skills may open doors, but soft skills help ensure those doors remain open. Embrace the power of anticipation and execution, and distinguish yourself in a world that often prioritizes the fleeting over the enduring. In the realm of soft skills, this one, we believe, will set you apart for a lifetime.

Thank you for reading Career Advise. Be sure to read our upcoming Out of Office issue on Friday.

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