Happy New Year - You're Fired!
Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D.
With many of us feeling the pain of an economic slowdown, it's important to be aware of and proactive about possible changes in our organizations. While we can't control the economy or the other forces of change, we can position ourselves to survive and even thrive in these challenging times.
Here are six tips to consider, whether you feel secure or think your job may soon disappear:
1. Don't get caught unaware. Too often, workers fail to recognize the early signs of looming layoffs, downsizing or shutdowns and are caught by surprise when they find themselves without a job. Keep your eyes open for signs of trouble: Notice if there are large-scale layoffs throughout your industry, if new competitors are increasingly crowding the market, or if demand for your company's product or service is dropping.
2. Imagine the worst-case scenario and make a plan. What if you lost your job? What would you do? When you examine and confront the situation, you can consider possible options. At the very least, you will feel that you have more control over your reactions if that scenario should indeed occur. Here's the trick: Once you have a plan of action, stop focusing on the potential downside and start searching for potential opportunities.
3. Neutralize your fear. Neuroscience tells us that when the fear system of the brain is active, exploratory activity and risk-taking are turned off. You can start to neutralize that system by avoiding people who are all “doom and gloom” about the economy and by turning off the constant barrage of bad news from the media. Remind yourself that you have already worried about the worst possible outcome and that you have a plan for dealing with it.
4. Keep a positive attitude. You never know when a seemingly negative situation may turn out to be for the best. If your job changes or disappears, it's an excellent chance to learn something new, discover untapped skills and meet new people. If you keep a positive attitude, you'll be able to rally your energy toward furthering your career - regardless of the circumstances.
5. Stay in the game. In tough times, your first reaction may be to “hunker down.” Nothing could be less helpful. This is a time to become very visible in your organization. In a recent survey of 150 business executives, 49% said they consider an employee's dedication to the company's mission and values when downsizing. So volunteer for projects, take credit for your success, and speak up. And if you can come with ways your organization can save money - now is your time to really shine!
6. Network, network, network. First, understand the importance of "social capital." Capital is defined as "accumulated wealth, especially as used to produce more wealth." Social capital is the wealth (or benefit) that exists because of your social relationships. Think of social capital as the value created by your connections to others. There is no more valuable commodity in today's volatile business environment.
Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., is an author and keynote speaker who addresses association, government, and business audiences around the world. Her latest book and program topic is THE NONVERBAL ADVANTAGE – Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work. For more information, contact Carol by phone: 510-526-1727, email: CGoman@CKG.com, or through her websites: www.CKG.com and www.NonverbalAdvantage.com.
Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D.
With many of us feeling the pain of an economic slowdown, it's important to be aware of and proactive about possible changes in our organizations. While we can't control the economy or the other forces of change, we can position ourselves to survive and even thrive in these challenging times.
Here are six tips to consider, whether you feel secure or think your job may soon disappear:
1. Don't get caught unaware. Too often, workers fail to recognize the early signs of looming layoffs, downsizing or shutdowns and are caught by surprise when they find themselves without a job. Keep your eyes open for signs of trouble: Notice if there are large-scale layoffs throughout your industry, if new competitors are increasingly crowding the market, or if demand for your company's product or service is dropping.
2. Imagine the worst-case scenario and make a plan. What if you lost your job? What would you do? When you examine and confront the situation, you can consider possible options. At the very least, you will feel that you have more control over your reactions if that scenario should indeed occur. Here's the trick: Once you have a plan of action, stop focusing on the potential downside and start searching for potential opportunities.
3. Neutralize your fear. Neuroscience tells us that when the fear system of the brain is active, exploratory activity and risk-taking are turned off. You can start to neutralize that system by avoiding people who are all “doom and gloom” about the economy and by turning off the constant barrage of bad news from the media. Remind yourself that you have already worried about the worst possible outcome and that you have a plan for dealing with it.
4. Keep a positive attitude. You never know when a seemingly negative situation may turn out to be for the best. If your job changes or disappears, it's an excellent chance to learn something new, discover untapped skills and meet new people. If you keep a positive attitude, you'll be able to rally your energy toward furthering your career - regardless of the circumstances.
5. Stay in the game. In tough times, your first reaction may be to “hunker down.” Nothing could be less helpful. This is a time to become very visible in your organization. In a recent survey of 150 business executives, 49% said they consider an employee's dedication to the company's mission and values when downsizing. So volunteer for projects, take credit for your success, and speak up. And if you can come with ways your organization can save money - now is your time to really shine!
6. Network, network, network. First, understand the importance of "social capital." Capital is defined as "accumulated wealth, especially as used to produce more wealth." Social capital is the wealth (or benefit) that exists because of your social relationships. Think of social capital as the value created by your connections to others. There is no more valuable commodity in today's volatile business environment.
Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., is an author and keynote speaker who addresses association, government, and business audiences around the world. Her latest book and program topic is THE NONVERBAL ADVANTAGE – Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work. For more information, contact Carol by phone: 510-526-1727, email: CGoman@CKG.com, or through her websites: www.CKG.com and www.NonverbalAdvantage.com.
posted by ckg @ 3:33 PM
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