Joyce Richman: How to hang on to your job
Joyce Richman: How to hang on to your job
Given the numbers of people looking for a way back into a market that recently shut them out, it makes sense that this space is often used to address the needs of job seekers.
But there’s another topic that is important in this day and age, and that is how to hang on to the job you already have. So, for those teetering toward being left behind, here are a few reminders:
• If you see a problem, point it out — just be sure to say it in a positive way. Don’t place blame, but offer solutions by being open to new ways of doing old things; inviting alternative viewpoints; encouraging discussion among co-workers; focusing on agreement and compromise; working through disagreement; and keeping your co-worker relationships intact throughout the process.
• Lead, listen and learn. Step forward and lead, but when appropriate, step back and let others lead. Know when to do which, and why it is important. Remember that direction is a compass point, not a street address.
• Change is challenging. Transitions are messy and stress existing systems — organizational and emotional, personal and interpersonal. “Go with the flow” takes on a whole new meaning when the flow feels like a flood towing employees underwater. Lots of change is happening at lots of businesses these days. Staff have been cut back dramatically, and so have resources needed to do the job efficiently. Your resilience and your ability to stay afloat depends on your capacity to stay focused on the longer-term outcomes.
• Resilience comes from forgiveness. You’ll make mistakes, and others will, too. Rather than waste valuable energy and effort blaming yourself and others for incidental, short-term losses, learn from what went wrong and make it right. Honor and affirm hard work, loyalty and ethical behavior. Celebrate wins, large and small, and keep your eyes on the prize. These hard times won’t last forever.
• Collaborate to solve problems. Don’t assume you know the answer to every question that comes up, or the solution to every problem that arises. When people see the same things differently, that means they have information, insight or perspective that can be invaluable to effectively achieving a shared goal.
• Remember the “carpenter’s rule”: measure twice, but cut once. Think before you speak or make that business phone call. In the space between thought and action, you have ample time to anticipate and consider the consequences. If what you do or say has the potential to cause others harm, you will put yourself in harm’s way as well. If your words question the integrity of others, your integrity will also be questioned. If in doubt, don’t say it, don’t write it down and don’t repeat it. As ancient Greek philosopher Xenocrates once wrote, “I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.”
• Manage up, down and over. Align yourself with your bosses, learn from your peers and stay true to your principles. Get involved, engage with those around you and stay the course.
Joyce Richman is a career coach and author of “Getting Your Kid Out of the House and Into a Job” and “Roads, Routes & Ruts: A Guidebook for Career Success.” Read her blog at www.richmanresources.com and watch her latest career advice Wednesdays at 6:35 a.m. on WFMY News 2. Contact Richman at 288-1799 or JERichman@aol.com.
