Published December 2002

Campaign to keep job should start first day
on the job

Q. I am a front-line supervisor for an airplane-parts manufacturing company. Loss of an important contract is expected to bring significant layoffs that will most certainly reach into lower and middle management positions. I love my job. Also, being a single parent raising three children, I can’t afford to lose my job, either. Are there specific steps I can take to enhance my chances of avoiding being laid off?

A. While I appreciate your concern for your continued employability, I recommend against blatant action to ensure you won’t be laid off. It will be seen for what it is — a desperate attempt to remain employed.

The most appropriate time to begin a campaign to keep a job is on the day it starts. But anyone, including yourself at this delicate time, can assess their “continued employability potential” by answering these questions:

• Am I continuing to bring value to my employer? In today’s rapidly changing business environment, adding to and improving your skills can set you ahead of your contemporaries. If your employer does not offer adequate training, find appropriate training yourself that will add to your value.
• Am I doing what I’m being asked to do? Know clearly what your boss expects of you and that you are delivering that and more.
• Am I staying emotionally balanced and healthy? Every job has a degree of stress, and failing to deal with it can bring illness and fatigue. If you’re sick or tired, you are not being good to your employer, yourself or your family.
• What have I accomplished specifically of which I can be proud? Each week, record specific performances that helped your employer achieve its goals. Such a record can be invaluable when time for a performance evaluation.
• What areas need to be improved? Are you prone to periodic displays of anger? Do you inappropriately dominate staff meetings? Turn your workplace weaknesses into strengths.

A holiday reminder
The holidays usually put a spring in our step, a smile on our face and a twinkle in our eyes. They also raise our sensitivities. A lapse in planning or taking proper precautions can lead to misunderstandings or hurt feelings during this season of raised awareness.

Consider these suggestions on how to overcome potential holiday pitfalls at work.

• Treat the office Christmas party with the same heightened awareness you would a job interview. Dress should be stylishly modest, shoes shined, nails clean. Gifts are appropriate only if a gift exchange has been planned. Limit alcohol consumption far below your tolerance level and legal limits. Remember to politely thank the host or the ranking executive for the opportunity to enjoy the party.
• Unless gift giving is pre-arranged in the workplace, the recipient may feel an uncomfortable need to reciprocate even though time or money may be uncomfortably short. A sincerely worded, handwritten message of appreciation within a holiday card most likely will best express your feelings.
• Holiday decorations have their place at work if employees and managers want them. Make sure they conform to fire safety standards, are strictly nonreligious and sized appropriately.

Eric Zoeckler operates The Scribe, a business-writing and editing service. He also writes “Taming the Workplace,” which appears Mondays in The Herald. He can be reached at 206-284-9566 or by e-mail to mrscribe@aol.com.

Back to the top/December 2002 Main Menu