Climbing the Ladder in Tough Economic Times
Let's face it: We're all anxious about what's ahead for our jobs in these tough economic times.
While we can't control what generally happens on Wall Street or Main Street, we can take responsibility for our own actions and increase the likelihood of surviving layoffs and getting ahead. Here are three good approaches:
- Keep your employer happy and gain job security.
- Compete honestly and honorably in the workplace.
- Find a new position with discretion when it's time to move on.
Start with your attitude. Employers want workers to be cheerful and cooperative, to be honest about their abilities, to care about their work and to show a "can-do" approach to tough tasks. Without these interpersonal skills, you're doomed before you start, no matter how capable you might be at the job itself.
Find out your company's business strategy by reading its press releases and determine how you fit into top-level plans. If the plan would require you to get more training, go out and get it.
Next, manage your own personal public relations campaign. For instance, if your supervisor's boss asks you how things are going, don't just say "Fine." Respond with a specific report which piques his or her interest. With a strong comment, you've shown the top boss that 1) you're a hard worker and a team player; 2) you're in the know by referring to a specific project; and 3) you're focused on the company's best interests. More than likely, the top boss will immediately ask you for more details, so be sure you're primed to give them.
Negotiate with your manager to take on bigger or tougher
assignments. Come to the meeting prepared with a list. In one column
list your job responsibilities. Then in the second column list your
job accomplishments. Be sure to make the point that you've been
willing to take on extra work and help where it's needed. You may be
anxious about taking on bigger or tougher projects, and that's a
good thing. It's always possible you'll fail at a new task, but
taking a calculated risk on a tough assignment can give you the job
recognition that will help you keep your position during tough
times. Moreover, a more important assignment will give you access to
high-level meetings, customers, trainings and resources that you
wouldn't be privy to in completing mundane assignments.
Finally, stand out from the crowd. The time is long gone when you could get ahead by not making waves. Offer the higher-ups your ideas on how to make money or cut costs, and then deliver. You'll find yourself not only layoff-proof, you'll be movin' on up in no time.