6 Tips for Keeping Your Job When Your Company Shifts Priorities.

Companies are reacting quickly to changes in the economy, demands from new markets or for new services. They’re canceling projects that were “full speed ahead” only a few months ago. Companies may get rid of entire departments, axing good performers along with bad. Or, departments across the company may be asked to cut staff by a certain percentage.

Regardless of how a company cuts staff, employees can reduce the likelihood that they will be cut. Think of it as your own personal “public relations” campaign. Get on the good side of your bosses, and make yourself indispensable.

1. Keep your skills up-to-date. Companies get rid of people whose skills are obsolete and replace them with workers who are already trained. Take classes, join trade organizations, prove you’re plugged-in.

2. Take initiative on behalf of the firm. Don’t get a reputation as someone who simply does what he or she is told to do.

3. Show only your good character traits (reliable, honest) Are you seen as someone who tries to get away with doing as little as possible, lies to get ahead, or irritates management and peers in other ways? Don’t get caught acting adolescent, and don’t take part in office gossip. If you’re known as a jerk, a staff cut-back may be a good excuse to get rid of you – even if you have great skills. Don’t lie about your expenses, don’t spend all day writing e-mails to your friends, don’t stay home with the sniffles. With a cut-back bearing down on them, your bosses will not be as likely to overlook your flaws.

4. Take leading-edge assignments. Don’t let choice assignments go to someone else. When your organization decides who has crucial skills, will you be included?

5. Volunteer for critical responsibilities, including tasks for which your boss is responsible. Pick your head up, look around and get in on the action. Doing your job well is not enough.

6. Make yourself visible to those above you in the corporate pecking order. Make sure everyone knows about your great work and what you bring to the company.

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