It's all about being proactive and realizing you are ultimately responsible for your actions. So often we are in a mindset that we are trapped in a job and therefore cruise along on autopilot, at the mercy of our employer. With the current high unemployment numbers, it is easy to see why so many people believe they better stay put and not make any waves. But this mindset leaves you vulnerable to your employer's whims especially if you hunker down and "just do your job." This mindset says don't question processes already in place, go with the status quo, and don't come up with new ideas or products for risk of outshining or offending your boss. But you could be setting yourself up for a headcount reduction.
There are 5 skills which can be instrumental in maintaining continuous employment through good times and bad. There are no guarantees in life, but you can stack the deck in your favor by developing these skills. More important than any job, is maintaining your self-worth. If you develop and practice these five proficiencies, you will be a step ahead of the game. Not only will you feel more secure about your future and how you make a living, but you will exhibit confidence and be a more productive employee. The upward spiral of your career can be set in motion by adoption of these skills.
The ability to recognize what's going on around you gives you a better understanding of your industry, products, competitors, and the economy in general. This will make you a more well-rounded, knowledgeable, and valuable employee and give you the insight to better position your company, and its products, in the marketplace.
Being proactive helps in all of your business dealings; whether its getting a report done on time, thinking of your customers needs before they do, or implementing a beneficial, new process before your boss asks you to.
You are going to have a bad manager or self-centered company officer now and then. Learning to deal with lousy managers gives you an edge your co-workers may not have. If it becomes unbearable, only you will know its time to move on to another organization. But if you are still learning and progressing in the company, you may want to manage the situation a little longer until timing is right for a change. The key to maintaining continuous employment is taking charge of your own career and making the change on your timing and terms versus your employers.
A mentor relationship can assist you to navigate the corporate minefields and position you to move ahead in your organization. A good mentor can be your sounding board for the twists and turns that come your way and she can give advice from her own experience. The more information you have at your disposal the better equipped you are to handle everyday situations and you will be better prepared for any and all changes along your career path.
Lastly, networking with industry colleagues, old college friends, church groups, fellow parents of your daughter's soccer team, or any potential employers, can only increase your knowledge of the job market and enhance your marketability, if or when you need to make a job change.
By being proactive, you are looking out for your own interests (first) while taking care of yourself and your career. As a byproduct, you are building your self-esteem making you more productive as a person and adding value as future opportunities are presented.
Richard S. Pearson is the Author of 5 Necessary Skills to Keep Your Career on Track. He has held vice-president positions with four multibillion dollar travel industry companies and three Internet early stage companies. He has a BA degree from Regis University in Organizational Development. His experience has given him a unique perspective on how to navigate the organizational structures of both large and small companies. He has hired and trained hundreds of employees from frontline salespeople to vice presidents, and coached many through their careers. He is currently working of facilitating the large increase of travel between the US and China, which is taking place. http://www.5necessaryskills.com
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