According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a free agent is a person who is able to act freely without being controlled by someone else: a professional athlete (such as a football player) who is free to sign a contract to play for any team. You are a free agent as well. If your current position no longer fits your goals you may need to evaluate your options.
In current times, there aren’t many companies that are providing pension plans, dollar for dollar matching 401K plans and paying 100% of your college tuition. The perks of the past are in the rear view mirror. People change and times change, and most of the high caliper loyalty programs of this magnitude are like the T-Rex… extincted. With that said, how can you be more strategic regarding your options when other opportunities become available? How do you maintain the elusive “win – win” scenario in terms of your relationship with your employer?
Below are some things that free agents do to maximize their opportunities:
1. Free agents stay in top shape.
What are you doing to improve your skills? When you have a reputation for having a great work ethic and deep expertise in a specific area, you stay at the top of the list of best prospects. Ray Allen will be 40 next year; however, the Cleveland Cavaliers are considering closing a deal with Ray to assist Lebron James in the 2014- 2015 season. Ray would not still be in the NBA if he wasn’t mentally, physical and spiritually in shape. Free agents do what they need do to stay at top of their game.
2. Free agents maintain open lines of communication. They stay engaged with the community. Free agents ask for advice from their “wisdom group” about trends, recently minted deals and market conditions. Think about some of the key contacts you have made at networking events or through LinkedIn introductions. Free agents make a habit of listening to the market.
3. Free agents weigh all the options. Often we build a narrow field when it comes to options. In other words, we often neglect taking the time to research all the options that are shockingly apparent. The free agent will take the time to explore all the options to make the best decision.
4. Free agents recognize their true value.
Have you done your homework to collect the required empirical data required for negotiations. Are you playing with a nice hand? If so, don’t bluff like you have a great hand… know you have a great hand! Hold up, don’t go too far, get a grip on your level of confidence versus cockiness. Free agents maintain balance and understand what the market can bear.
Will a free agent mindset help you to make a better decision when exploring new opportunities?
“Learning options will indeed mushroom for business students and leaders, but it will take prudence and shrewdness to find and use the best option.”
-Warren Bennis
