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What's
the best way to "fireproof" your job? It seems like every
so-called expert is putting out lists of ways to avoid being laid
off. In fact, I did a quick, five-minute Internet search and found
one list that is extremely beneficial.
Fireproof your
job: These six smart, field-tested strategies will help ensure you
don't get burned by cutbacks at the office. Click
here for link.
These above tips
contain a sage bit of advice that can benefit all of us. It doesn't
require any sacrifice, no cutting back, no additional training or
extra work. In fact, you may even feel better for it. And so will
those around you.
Speaking of strategies
to avoid being laid off, the article I've written below offers another
powerful (and painless) way to "fireproof" your job.
Increase Your Job Security by Increasing Your Visibility
Clients often ask
me, "Why should I increase my visibility? Why can't I let my
work speak for itself?" My traditional response has always been,
"You can't assume decision-makers are aware of your accomplishments.
How can you expect to get ahead if you're not noticed?"
In light of today's
difficult economy, my response has changed. I now advise clients:
"How do you expect to keep your job if you're not noticed?"
As more and more
companies resort to layoffs, now is not the time to hide your light
under a basket. Enhancing your visibility is more important than ever!
Companies seldom
jettison their top performers. They hold on to employees they perceive
add the greatest value.
The challenge
for you is to proactively shape those perceptions. Be aggressive at
marketing yourself, your accomplishments, your value, and your potential
to further contribute to your organization's success.
This may require
taking risks. But, frankly, doing nothing to promote your visibility
in these uncertain times may be the greatest risk of all.
Here are some
ways to get noticed and to get credit for the work you do:
Take on
a project no one wants.
But make sure it's an important project. This could be a project
that has a direct impact on the bottom line, but doesn't have an
easy solution. You'll get incredible visibility if the project is
successful. Even if it fails, you will be seen as someone who made
the effort and took on a challenge that no one else would.
Champion
new projects and ideas.
Take on new projects or advocate new ideas that are directly tied
to your company's most important goals. Demonstrate your value by
exploiting sales opportunities, improving customer service, reducing
expenses or simplifying processes.
Add value
to existing projects.
This is about not just doing your job well, but doing an additional
piece that shows your worth and brings you in-contact with other
influential people.
Involve
your boss's boss.
One of the most effective ways to increase visibility is to have
your boss inform his or her superior about the important things
you are working on, your successes, and the impact you're having
in the department. Others will take notice and realize what an important
commodity you are in the organization.
Get on high-profile
projects.
Involve yourself in high-profile projects so your name comes up
frequently (and positively) in discussions at the top levels of
the company.
Create "face
time" with key decision-makers.
Find the executives who have influence in the company and find ways
to participate in their meetings, conference calls and interactions.
The more face time you have with executives, the better the chance
they will get to know you and see your value to the company.
"It
isn't just what you know, and it isn't just who you know. It's actually
who you know, who knows you, and what you do for a living."
~ Bob Burg~
"If you don't
get noticed, you don't have anything. You just have to be noticed,
but the art is in getting noticed naturally, without screaming or
without tricks."
~ Leo Burnett~
"If you watch
successful brown-nosers at work you will notice that they talk far
less about themselves than we tend to think and yet they seem to be
relatively successful in getting a significant amount of attention
which translates into promotions, raises and other perks. This is
because they move the focus from themselves to others."
~ G. L. Hoffman~
EXECUTIVE COACHING: Garfinkle Executive Coaching provides individualized,
customized coaching to help you move to higher levels of leadership
by creating impact, exercising influence, boosting visibility and
achieving significant victories on key projects. http://www.garfinkleexecutivecoaching.com/
CAREER COACHING: You spend one-third of your life at
work, so you deserve to feel fulfilled by it. Joel's unique 7-Step
Dream Job Process focuses first and foremost on helping you find the
perfect job that aligns with your passions and natural talents. http://www.dreamjobcoaching.com/coaching/career/
SPEAKING: Frequent speaker at keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars. He will energize your keynotes, meetings, conventions
and seminars with his compelling and inspirational speaking style.
http://www.garfinkleexecutivecoaching.com/speaking.html
EMPLOYEE OUTPLACEMENT PROGRAM:This
proven 9-step program provides unique, personalized services to displaced
workers. Whether you are a manager on your first job or a seasoned,
high-level executive, you will receive intensive one-on-one attention
and support to help you move quickly and successfully through the
job search process. http://www.outplacement-firm.com/
