In a recent group discussion with engineering managers, my response to a question seemed to trigger a number of insights from those who attended.
The question was around what steps one might take to prepare for success if they planned to leave their current employer and seek a new position. After several other people shared their ideas, I added one more to the list.
This was it:
While you have access to your current employer’s systems and people, gather the information you need to document the measurable business results of the work that you have done.
On one hand, having tangible business metrics to show for your projects will help you make a much stronger resume and give you more attractive stories to tell in your interviews. So yes, it’s a good way to prepare yourself if you plan to leave.
On the other hand, the work that you do and the things that you learn while doing the research may have another positive side effect while you stay. When you can trace your team’s work to meaningful outcomes with a measurable impact on your business, your employees, and your customers, the same stories that you might tell in an interview can be an inspiration to your team members as well.
Even if you plan to keep your current position as long as you can – and maybe especially if that’s true – consider what inspiring stories you may find as you look for the measurable outcomes that result from your work.
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