1. 02/11/12 www.barbadostoday.bb Page 41
A new
worker
class
Talent Management and the Rise of the New
Independent Professional Worker Class
by Global Expert Systems
Human behaviour is quite predictable and it’s no different
during hard times. With unemployment now soaring
at double digits in Barbados, be on the lookout for the
The type of global economic slowdown that we are harsh recessions, we will witness this phenomenon.
independent professional worker.
witnessing tends to cause this type of labour movement. Every In fact, GES calls this the talent magnet — the best talent
time we have major global upheaval like wars, disasters and goes wherever it finds traction. Likewise, global companies
The New Independent Professional Worker
seek out the best talent, wherever they are on the planet.
We are accustomed to the traditional independent
Here is why:
worker: the lawyer, the doctor, the bookkeeper, the tailor,
1. Virtual professional social networks like Linkedin and
the seamstress. This is not who we are speaking of here. We
Caribbeanjobs.com make it very easy to search for global
are also not speaking of Dilbert’s ever popular and perhaps
opportunities.
infamous “consultant” who is between jobs and looking to
2. Europe as a major talent pool, owing to their high levels
get back on someone’s payroll.
of education, has also put a lot of independent professionals
So who or what constitutes this new class of worker?
on the global market owing to their prolonged recession.
Here’s the profile:
How to become a true global independent professional?
1. This professional is definitely an “international citizen”
1. Start by having a very open mind. Be curious about
capable of globe-trotting and demanding the job that best
other languages and cultures. Be adventurous.
suits their talent. They are not bound to any one company
2. Pick up a second language.
or country. This is what makes them truly independent.
3. Pursue internationally recognised qualifications and
2. This type of talent normally has an international
certifications.
education background and they tend to study in top schools
4. If your company has overseas offices, ask to be placed
in two or more countries.
abroad for at least three to six months. During this short
3. They speak fluent English and two or more languages,
period you normally will not require a visa. So try it!
depending on the region they prefer. For example, an
5. Finally, do not underestimate the CARICOM Certificate
independent in the Americas will speak English, Spanish,
of Recognition that gives you free movement throughout the
Portuguese and French. One who “floats” in the EU will
Caribbean.
typically speak English, French and German. While in Asia,
* Next week we will look at: How to brand yourself as an
they will command English and Mandarin and maybe a few
independent professional?
other native languages.
4. It is not difficult to legally enter another country
* For access to the entire series of GES articles
because they’re multi-skilled, multi-lingual and actually sought
in pdf. feel free to download them from http://
after by global companies. So requesting work permits and
www.scribd.com/GlobalExpertSystems. We
visas is not a major hassle for the company. Additionally,
also have tons of interesting related content on
these workers tend to carry at least two international
our Facebook page, visit us and like us at www.
passports.
facebook.com/global.expert.systems.
Why is this new class of worker emerging?