And keep your job in these difficult times
Summer Lotus Sep 12 · 4 min read
In these pandemic times when retrenchment is rife, it behooves the employees to perform well at work and prove himself or herself to be invaluable.
Sadly, people who were axed might be those with a wealth of experiences but they were also drawing high pay. Releasing them was likely to be a cost-cutting strategy.
Over the years, I have watched bad times come and go. Those who have survived retrenchment had good reasons. It is never too late to be aware of the pitfalls of being an employee. Employers are just trying to stay afloat too.
If you still have work, feel blessed but don’t stay contented. Life was never meant to be easy-going. So, make yourself a valued staff in your company and you are unlikely to be released anytime soon.
The following ways may be helpful;
1 Do well in your field of work
a) Be detailed – As they say, “God is in the details”. If a project or task is well done, it is because some people have painstakingly done their homework and put in their best effort. Nothing impresses and amazes others more than an exceedingly excellent piece of work noticed by your boss and colleagues.
It is the highest form of regard and respect for the company and self that you would push yourself to become a star performer.
It keeps morale high and inspires others to draw out their talents too.
b) Be humble and seek counsel from your experienced colleagues who are willing to mentor you. Some seniors may be somewhat brash but a thick hide in this instance is in your favor.
The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more — Jonas Salk
2 Be proactive
This increases your value to the company and allows you to advance.
A Chinese saying goes, “He who labors his mind governs others”.
The brain triumphs over brawn.
Think more critically to be efficient and effective. Undertake a piece of a job with the aim of not just accomplishing it but achieving an extra goal as well.
This involves reading more about the tasks at hand, researching tested ways, and adding new ideas to the standard method of doing things.
What does a proactive person do?
a) Prepare and plan ahead and early. Write down exactly what your goals are and the steps to let you get closer to the goals.
It could be obtaining the numbers of the relevant people ready so that you can network effectively.
It may be prioritizing to make sure important tasks are finished first.
A checklist is often used to list items to do for the day and will prove useful.
b) Set a realistic deadline.
He is mindful of Parkinson’s Law, which indicates that activities will consume as much time as you have available for them.
By setting a time frame, you eradicate procrastination and tardiness.
He feels more satisfied as he pushes himself along. The inertia is often the hardest part but once momentum is set, it becomes much easier.
He would also plan Long-range. That is called vision.
c) Stay positive and expects good results. If things did not turn out, he would review and analyze the reasons and make sure that mistakes are not repeated.
The best way to create your future is to create it — Steven Covey
3 Be irreplaceable
There is a unique trait adopted by the smart worker. In the following ways:
a) Study others’ mistakes. By doing that, your own experiences can be increased multiple folds and make you the wise one among your colleagues. More people will come to you for advice which means you always need to be at the forefront of events and information.
b) Develop interests outside your field of work.
They may seem unlinked but new perspectives surface and may give you a different approach to problem-solving. People like to hang around those who have more ideas and provide solutions to their problems. Do not be an also-ran.
In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different — Coco Chanel
4 Have a sense of responsibility
When mistakes are made, admit, and improve on them. Take responsibility for all personal hiccups and that would win your superior over due to your honesty.
Volunteer to take on tasks that people shun because of difficulty or poor knowledge but make sure you give your best shot. Or at least learn from it and offer your help again the next time. Sincerity will shine through.
Responsible people are highly valued and dependable. They are the ones whom customers would turn to for information and seal that final transaction.
The price of greatness is responsibility — -Winston Churchill
Life goes on. Crises come and go. It is during this difficult period that you need to show your mettle to stay afloat and survive.
Soldier on. Do your best in all the ways listed will ensure a bright future.
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