Versatile and Valuable

Last week, ESPN laid off 100 of it’s employees. About half of these folks were long-time on-air talent that had become synonymous with the network and the sports they covered. 

The network president, John Skipper, wrote, “A necessary component of managing change involves constantly evaluating how we best utilize all of our resources, and that sometimes involves difficult decisions…dynamic change demands an increased focus on versatility and value, and as a result we have been engaged in determining the talent necessary to meet those demands.”

Ed Werder had been with ESPN since 1998 and was a recognizable face and voice of NFL coverage. Werder was told before the layoffs that cuts would be made, and the quality of the work would not be a consideration in the decision. Werder said, “It seemed to me that quality work should be the only consideration. If it’s not part of the consideration, then I kind of find myself a little vulnerable under that criteria.”

The talent laid off at ESPN could be considered experts at what they do. They worked hard for many years to hone their craft. They helped strengthen the ESPN brand, and in return were paid and given a platform to showcase their talents. 

Yet, one day last week, their entire world changed. Their company said, in essence, that they were no longer valuable to the company and the brand, based on a new set of criteria that left them vulnerable. The pace of change in our world is getting faster, and the talent necessary to meet the demands of our audiences are ever changing. So, the most important thing we can do to secure our own future is to prepare for the next phase of our career long before we have to. 

How?

Focus on the versatility and value of your brand. 

You may be at your current job for the next 30 years, and love every minute of it. Your company may give you everything you need to be fulfilled in your life and career. But, you can't get complacent. You are an expert. Use your expertise to help build the company brand, but never forget to stay versatile and valuable in all areas of your expertise, and your life. 

Ryan Seacrest just landed the co-hosting job with Kelly Ripa on the the Live with Kelly morning show. It’s not like he needed the money, or the extra work. He’s worth about $350 million as the host of multiple shows, yet he's also the executive producer of successful shows where he’s not the host or on-air talent. Agree or disagree with the decision by ABC to bring him on, but he brings his own brand, and a network of followers that should boost ratings; the criteria networks use to define value.

Remember, your company doesn't owe you a job for life. You are not a Supreme Court Justice. You need to provide value every single day, so continue to look for ways you can be versatile for your team, your company and your customers. Never let your title or your job be the one source of your personal brand. 

You may not be "TV famous", but I guarantee that if you are “company famous” with your own network of valued followers, your company already values you. They love your strong personal brand, and the audience that comes with it. So, keep pace with change, continue to increase your followers and supporters, and you will have a greater chance of staying wherever you want. You may even get promoted to a new role that helps to identify and define the new criteria of success.