How Not To Lose Your Job

Having this eerie feeling that there's something not right in your job? It may not be just a hunch rather it could be an indication of making a course correction in your career. The industry is getting more competent, people with new capabilities emerge everyday, restructuring is becoming more frequent. Keeping your job secure is becoming a challenge that many are not equipped to handle.

Here's a 6 point guide to help you sustain through a potential career crises:

Read the signs

Are you being overlooked for a task that you believe should have come to you? And is it happening consistently? Don't pass it as a normal incident or some company strategy. It could be a sign of a future problem. Reflect upon the work you are doing and listen to the feedback from people and seniors around to verify if there is a potential danger looming ahead. If you have been warned, take it seriously and take steps to avoid the situation snowballing into your worst nightmare.

Talk to a trusted colleague or senior

A very effective way to find out about your situation is to talk to someone whom you trust and can give a genuine feedback. It could be your colleague or its better if that person is your senior. Being transparent while discussing your situation will help a lot in dispelling any doubts or uncertainties that you or your seniors may have about your work.

Identify areas of concern

It is easier, and strongly suggested, to handle crisis when it is starting, rather than waiting and hoping for the situation to change by itself. The first step to handle any crisis is to accept that there is one. Sometimes people go into denial and try to keep things under the carpet. But they forget that brushing things under the rug makes a mountain of challenges. It is critical to clearly identify what needs to be addressed and translate it into goals for development and improvement.

Create a time bound action plan

Every problem has to be addressed as it comes and like any other goal of life there has to be a timeline by when you want to see a positive change. The development goals identified should be broken down into measurable activities. Set a time for completing each task. It will also help to set expectations for yourself and your seniors. It is even more important if one is under formal performance improvement plan.

Ask for feedback, proactively

A very important action while trying to make a positive difference is to take constructive feedback. Specially when working against timelines, take feedback proactively and regularly to ensure that you are on the right track. Asking for feedback helps in making timely corrections and conveys one's willingness to change the situation.

Continue the good work

The situations don't change overnight but it is a result of continuous efforts over a period of time. Laxity and casualness can quickly deteriorate a positive development if the good work is not consolidated. The momentum of change must go on. The sincerity and hard work is the key to transform any situation into a springboard of growth and success.

Though the environment is challenging but that is how we become a better self when we rise up to these challenges. A positive mindset gives rise to innovation and creativity, and can unearth our hidden potential.

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