Puzzle Pieces

Earlier this week I was part of a networking group through PSPS: Philadelphia Society of People & Strategy helping fellow HR professionals seeking their next job. The speaker, Marc Hildenberger, CSFS, PCC talked about excellent strategies for networking, helping others, and how to successfully network to our next positions. It got me thinking about my experiences with mergers and acquisitions and how I’ve been impacted by or involved as an HR leader, and how that experience is also important in job searching.

Leveraging the Connectedness strength from my CliftonStrengths , I've come to understand the importance of not just merging companies but, more crucially, merging cultures and people. As someone deeply invested in human resources and talent strategy, I've learned that the true essence of successful integrations lies in recognizing and nurturing the interconnectedness of all individuals involved.

The Connectedness theme posits that everything happens for a reason, and there are few coincidences in life. This belief has been a guiding principle in my approach to my life and career. Over breakfast with Scott Gamble this week we talked about his journey to Philadelphia early in his career and the parallels of our networks and experiences building great relationships. In M&A recognizing that each employee brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table has enabled me to see mergers not just as business transactions but as opportunities to blend diverse talents and cultures in a way that strengthens the new entity.

When companies merge, it's easy to get caught up in the financial and operational aspects, overlooking the human element. However, understanding and valuing the Connectedness among employees can make the difference between a smooth transition and a rocky one. It's about seeing the bigger picture and helping everyone involved see it too. Just like a job search or helping a colleague navigate their career journey.

Here are some insights and advice for others navigating job searches or career transitions, through the context of my mergers and acquisitions experience. I mean, after all, the function we will all go through in a company is called Talent ACQUISITION after all, so thinking of a job search in the context of M&A, shouldn’t be all that far-fetched!

• Embrace Your Unique Perspective: No matter your strengths, know, own, and sell them. Use them to your advantage in your job search. If you happen to have Connectedness as a strength, highlight your ability to see how roles, teams, and projects fit into the broader mission of an organization. Many employers value candidates who can appreciate the bigger picture and contribute to a cohesive, unified company culture.
• Filling Gaps: You will be a missing puzzle piece in the company you join. Look for how you fit into the puzzle, and as challenging as it can be there will be times that you aren’t that piece and you move on to a new puzzle. This is not much different than acquisitions, companies looking for missing pieces to their puzzle. Show how you can be that missing piece to the company puzzle through the role.
• Cultivate Relationships: Relationships are the bedrock of successful teams and organizations, especially during times of change. Between an election year, AI/LLM, and an unsteady economy, change is all around us this year. Whether you're searching for a job or navigating career transitions, focus on building and nurturing connections. These relationships will not only support you through changes but can also open doors to new opportunities.
• Reflect on Your Experiences: Take time to reflect on your own experiences and how you provide the missing piece to the puzzle each opportunity and company needs to complete their puzzle. Use these insights to guide your approach in future roles, especially if you find yourself in a position to influence M&A strategies.

Here is to finding our puzzle and no longer being a lone, missing, piece of a puzzle!