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If the recent economic downturn has taught us anything, it’s that nothing is certain. In the corporate world, fortunes can turn on a dime. And even top-performing professionals may be let go when their firms hit tough times.
Anyone who has dealt with job loss or watched others cope with it probably came away with a changed perspective. But, rather than letting that experience cause apprehension about future economic cycles, use it to empower you.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Expand your Awareness
Increase Your Comfort Level
You can’t predict how economic ups and downs might affect your career, but you can prepare for any eventuality. Many workers have taken this lesson to heart.
Being prepared doesn't mean expecting the worst. It simply means being aware of the “what ifs” and the best- and worst-case scenarios in any given situation. For instance, have you considered:
Keeping your mind open to different career scenarios and being prepared for the unexpected are key to ongoing career management. As we were all reminded recently, change can come with little notice, but here are some ways you can prepare to meet it head on:
· Refuse to stand still professionally. We tend to get so focused on our daily and weekly to-do lists that we forget to carve out time for professional development and networking. It’s essential to make time for these opportunities, though, if you’re to maintain a competitive advantage. Make professional development a habit by putting it on your quarterly to-do list and scheduling activities that expand your knowledge and network.
· Keep your professional life in order. It’s not enough for you to be organized and prepared. You want others to know as well. We all know the importance of tying up loose ends and arranging for others to cover for us before taking planned time off. But what if you have to take an unplanned absence? Prepare for this possibility by letting your colleagues and boss know where you store important information, keeping your workspace organized and informing others about the status of critical projects.
· Learn from those who are well prepared. You probably know people who handle the unexpected extremely well. They’re the ones who shift gears effortlessly and possess an enviable ability to roll with the punches. Learn from their ability to react to change and quickly regroup. The lessons they can impart -- whether it’s new organizational skills or philosophies to approaching work -- could offer a lasting eye-opening experience.
· Keep your network active. If you suddenly find yourself without a job, networking is perhaps the best way to get a new one. It’s much easier to reach out to others for help when you stay involved with professional organizations, volunteer groups and social circles.
Expand your Awareness
Another way to cope with career uncertainty is to become more aware of the environment around you. An inquisitive mind is a sign that you’re committed to professional growth. Consider these ideas to expand your awareness:
· Boost your office IQ. Are you the first or last to know what’s going on in your department? If you’re the last, ask yourself why. Do you show an interest in coworkers’ projects? Do you share information that could help them do their jobs? A failure to connect with coworkers could limit you professionally and put you at risk if layoffs occur. Someone who’s clearly out of the loop might be among the first to go.
Being open and accessible with coworkers is a sure way to gain insights about what’s going on around you. It can also help you anticipate and respond to workplace changes. For instance, if you find out that several people in your department are using a new software program, this might suggest that you should learn it, too.
· Keep abreast of industry trends. Another way to advance your career is to stay on top of developments in your industry. Join industry associations, read trade publications and attend conferences that focus on industry trends. The more you can combine specialized industry knowledge with broad professional skills, the more valuable you become.
· Stay connected with your profession. In an ever-changing economy, you need to keep your pulse on market conditions. Joining a professional association is one of the best ways to stay informed about salary and hiring trends in your field. If you have to make an unexpected transition, you’ll have a head start because you’re aware of the hiring outlook.
· Broaden your information base. Make it a habit to keep pace with a fast-changing business world by continually finding new websites, publications and other resources that enhance your knowledge and help you do your job. And when you come across new resources, share them with coworkers. They’ll appreciate your generosity and will probably reciprocate. Moreover, managers tend to look favorably on workers who contribute to others’ development.
Increase Your Comfort Level
Most people have areas in their professional life where they feel less confident than they would like. These areas often involve interpersonal issues. By learning to navigate these potentially troublesome areas, you can perform better in your current job and improve your positioning for future opportunities. Consider, for instance, how confident you are with the following:
· Raising questions or problems
· Dealing with interruptions or time wasters
· Asking for what you want
· Saying no when necessary -- and in a tactful way
· Taking credit and sharing it when the situation calls for it
· “Clearing the air” with a coworker
· Gaining support for your ideas
Chances are you could probably increase your comfort level in one or more areas. But how do you do this? Unfortunately, these skills are not taught in school. They require you to draw on “soft” skills, which are usually gleaned from experience.
Probably
the best way to sharpen these skills is by observing people who have good
interpersonal skills and seeking advice from those you trust. Business
literature and professional associations may also yield insights and ideas to
boost your abilities in these areas.
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