How to Avoid Being Laid Off
Unemployment is moving slowly in the right direction but many companies are still downsizing to make financial ends meet. A savvy 
professional needs to showcase their value-add and strategize early to avoid a right sizing job loss. Here are some action steps to help prevent the dreaded job elimination email.
Become Indispensable – You must be your own best self-advocate and learn to talk about what you do well so you can articulate your uniqueness and professional value. If you distinguish yourself as a go-to person or an expert in a particular area, you are less likely to be eliminated if this is a skill the organization relies upon – especially if it is mission critical and in short supply. Evaluate your skill set and focus on what makes you unique and desirable and do more of it!
Make Positivity Infectious – If a downsizing is rumored to happen in your organization the first thing to go is employee morale. Take the high road and stay positive and optimistic, especially with co-workers and supervisors. Vent at home but keep your game face on at work since negativity is toxic and infectious and could be the determining factor when deciding which employees to let go among staff members who do the same thing.
Manage Up – many larger companies are bringing in consulting firms to assess staff efficiency and fiscal responsibility. If your boss doesn’t know what you do well, chances are, he or she won’t be able to tell someone else why you shouldn’t be let go. You must tell your superiors what you are accomplishing on a regular basis. Consider sending a monthly email with your achievements, goals met, or solutions provided. Good news is rarely shared so take advantage of this opportunity to showcase your worth. Anonymity is dangerous – be seen, heard, and speak up so others know what you are accomplishing.
Go The Extra Mile – now is the time to go above and beyond to illustrate your exemplary work ethic. Get into the office on time (or early!) and don’t be the first to leave. It’s not just about face time but productivity. Use your time wisely to ask for new assignments, additional challenges, or work from other units to assist beyond your job description. Work smarter not harder.
Seek out a Sponsors – a sponsor is a professional mentor who is willing to put their reputation on the line to advance your career in the company. This relationship is earned so you must seek out people in your organization and work with them so they can see you in action and recognize your promotability and commitment to the organization. You can’t sign up for a sponsor – it happens organically, but you can position yourself wisely to volunteer for projects with influential players and grow a mentorship into a sponsorship by earning their respect.
The reality check is that many lay-offs are simply based on company budgets and have nothing to do with job performance. So, some downsizing is inevitable no matter how stellar you are at your job. Because of this harsh reality, you must network before you need it and continuously grow your professional community. Think of it as building relationships and an opportunity to stay on top of current trends and a chance to share your strengths story and abilities with others. People hire who they know and trust so you need not be a well kept secret. Get out there and meet people face-to-face so you are ready when you need it or when opportunity knocks.
Nobody is truly safe in this new normal, so it pays to have an exit strategy. You must be ready to leave on your own terms before the pink slips are distributed along with the new company letterhead. Consider where you want to go when things are going well on the job so you have the luxury of thinking clearly, without stress and can plan your next steps well in advance.
