The Rise and Fall of Sears: A Lesson in Staying Relevant Through Growth Mindset
I recently ticked off an item on Chicago bucket list: Visiting the Skydeck at the Willis Tower--formerly the Sears Tower.
In the early 1970's, Sears was the largest retailer in the United States. They commissioned the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower)—the tallest building in the world, a skyscraper that mirrored the company's innovation and influence.
Over time, Sears struggled to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing retail landscape, losing out to competitors like Walmart and Amazon.
The iconic company that once defined retail shopping couldn't adapt to how retail commerce was rapidly evolving, and found itself facing bankruptcy and irrelevance.
Sears’ decline teaches us an important lesson: Even giants can fall if they fail to remain relevant.
Just as corporations need to innovate to stay ahead, professionals must continually reinvent themselves to remain competitive in their careers. In today’s fast-paced world, staying relevant isn’t just an option—it’s essential.
5 Ways Professionals Can Stay Relevant in Their Careers
Embrace Lifelong Learning. Industries evolve, and so must we. Take courses, attend workshops, and stay updated on industry trends. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or certifications in your field can help you maintain your competitive edge.
Network Actively. Building and maintaining relationships with industry peers, mentors, and colleagues keeps you informed about opportunities and trends. Engaging on platforms like LinkedIn and attending conferences can broaden your reach.
Adapt to Technology. Just like retail shifted online, every industry is being shaped by new technologies. Whether it’s mastering data analysis, becoming proficient in emerging software, or understanding AI's impact on your work, staying tech-savvy is a must.
Develop Your Effectiveness Skills. While technical skills are important, Effectiveness skills like communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership are critical for career growth. These abilities help you navigate complex work environments and manage relationships effectively. (Leadership coaching is a great way to develop your effectiveness skills.)
Be Open to--and Curious About--Change. Just as Sears failed to pivot quickly enough, professionals must embrace change rather than resist it. This could mean acquiring new skills to meet evolving market demands, taking on stretch roles, or changing career paths altogether.
Sears’ story is a cautionary tale: Sustained success is never guaranteed.
The key to longevity—whether for companies or individuals—lies in the ability to innovate, learn, and adapt. By actively working to stay relevant, you can ensure your career doesn't mirror Sears’ fate.
