It’s hard to feel secure at work with the sad news about job losses swirling around. Luckily, there are some things you can do to turn yourself into a resource your company will work hard to keep around and wanting like life itself.
1. Stand out.
Invisibility is dispensability, says Aimee Cohen of Cohen Career Consulting. When you’re in any work environment, “it’s critical that people know who you and what you're doing.”
Cohen recommends taking on additional job responsibilities, developing cross-functional relationships in the workplace, and volunteering for committees, boards and leadership positions. Doing so keeps your work profile fresh and visible.
2. Talk to your boss.
“Many people spend a lot of time and energy avoiding their boss,” Cohen says, and that’s a big mistake. “You should actively communicate with your boss on a regular basis, develop a relationship, and clarify expectations,” she explains. “Not only should you make your boss look good, make your boss your ally, not your enemy.”
When you talk with your boss, don’t be afraid to be your own cheerleader. Managers don’t always know everything their employees are up to, and if you are enhancing your skills or taking on new projects, you want your boss to know.
3. Don't be a drag.
People will go out of their way to avoid unpleasant co-workers. “If you are always rolling your eyes, texting in meetings, complaining, or just being plain difficult to work with, that is not going unnoticed,” says Julie Bauke of the Bauke Group.
Even if your skills are at the top of their game, it’s possible that a bad attitude can prove the difference when a department needs to cut someone. If you find that your impatience or contempt for your co-workers, department or company is showing, “either knock it off, or get a job that is a better fit for you, and work on becoming irreplaceable there,” Bauke advises.
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