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Ten Ways to Keep From Being Fired


These days, even the best performance doesn’t guarantee security.  A client we'll call Mark was a Vice President whose impressive successes were "rewarded" with a pink slip.  When the top execs negotiating a multi-billion dollar merger, Mark’s work was inconsequential to them.

While there’s no absolute security, there are things you can do to make yourself much safer.
1) Pay attention to what the boss wants  
Sounds obvious, doesn’t it?  But many people fail to consider that (usually) one person decides whether they get a raise and a promotion—or get kicked out the door.  Have you checked in with your boss to find what his/her priorities are—and to make sure your work is aligned with those priorities?  Do you know the boss’s style?  Some bosses want employees to be very autonomous; others want close contact.  Some want to talk face to face; others prefer email.

If you make a key decision on your own, will your boss be impressed—or horrified? If you’ve never asked before, there’s no time like today.

2) Solicit regular input—and respond.  
A related point is to get regular feedback from the boss and others you work with.  If there are things you’re doing or not doing that don’t work, correct them, as best and as quickly as you can.

3) Be known
Many people keep their noses to the grindstone, doing good work.  They don’t “waste time” getting to know others in the company.  Bad move.  The fact is that being known and liked are critical to your success and being retained.  If people don’t know who you are—or think you are unfriendly—you are vulnerable.

4) Be sure your accompllishments are known
Don’t assume that anyone will notice your good work.  Usually, the boss pays attention to problem areas, so if your area is going well, you might disappear from the boss’s radar screen.  Keep a written journal of your accomplishments so that you can show the boss what you’re doing. This can not only justify you keeping your job, but it can get you raises and promotions.

John, a network administrator, found this out the hard way.  A budget-scrutinizing manager told him, “Our network works fine. We don't have any major problems. We can't justify paying your salary." Of course, they quickly found out why their network worked so well after John left-------and took a different job.

5) Volunteer
Volunteer for committees and projects that bring you in contact with people outside your department.   Let people know what you’re working on and about your successes.  It doesn’t have to sound like you’re bragging—and it can lead to interesting conversations, connections, and collaborations.  Not to mention promotions.

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6) Work hard
People do notice who comes in early and stays late—and who regularly waltzes in late with lame excuses about the bus, car trouble, or a defective alarm clock.

7) Make Learning a Lifelong Passion 
Constantly look to sharpen your skills through reading, training, and having productive relationships with co-workers.
 
8) Be sure you’re doing what you do best 
Unless we are using our best skills, chances are, you’re not competitive with those who are.  Sally was a great corporate trainer, but during reorganization, she was reassigned to sales.  She can sell, and she likes her job well enough, but she’s not passionate about it.  She’s not a star.  She would do well to move back to training and continue to develop where she is excellent.

9) Don’t Let Things Fester   If there are toes stepped on or mistakes made, take responsibility for your part—without groveling—and clean it up.

10) Keep the lifeboats ready  

As we’ve said, even if you’re doing everything right, there’s no guarantee these days.  Consequently, it’s more important than ever to build a network for yourself.  Participate in professional organizations and take other opportunities to get to know people in your field.  If the ship starts to sink, be ready.

Be sure to check out our free career webinars.

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