Managing Your Career in Challenging Economic Times

By Lynn Hazan
President, Lynn Hazan & Associates, www.lhazan.com, Lynn@lhazan.com

If your company/agency/nonprofit were to cut positions in your department because of budget cuts, would your job be on the chopping block? Do you feel safe? Here are a few questions to stimulate your thinking. Your goal is to ensure that you not only keep your job, but reinforce that you are viewed as a valued contributor.

1. Do you deserve to keep your job?

 
2. Are you the “go-to” person for advice, insight, and support?

 
3. Are you a tech guru? Are you keeping up to date on the latest technology?

 
4. Are others aware of your contributions?

 
5. Are you on top of the latest communications trends and techniques? (eg. blogs, use of
   social media)

 
6. Are you taking advantage of cross learning? Inquiring minds want to learn from IT,
   finance, operations, marketing, and human resources.

 
7. Are you branding yourself and your capabilities? What is your UPS-Unique Positioning Statement?

 
8. Do you volunteer for different and /or difficult assignments?

 
9. Are you building your relationship ladders within your company?

 
10. Do you work efficiently and effectively?

 
11. How is your personal affect? Do other staff want to work with you?

 
12. Are you a positive person to have around?

 

These questions help to pinpoint your value propositions.  In tough times, the best employees not only do great work (that is a given) but they also rise to the occasion.  They provide leadership and strength. They help mentor and train less experienced staff.  They show by deed that their work adds value.  They get out of their cubes. The “walking around” style of management reaps many rewards.  These communicators pick up on the nuances of life at work and can often spot trends or opportunities to contribute.  They create new communication tools and channels to empower employees at work.  They manage their relationships. By building alliances, these employees are seen as bridge builders. They keep their jobs and are often promoted when the economy picks up again. 

2008. Lynn Hazan & Associates. All rights reserved

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