Reducing Your Risk of Layoff

In order to reduce your risk of layoff, your employer must see you as a vital piece of the organization and as an irreplaceable asset that the employer cannot do without. To accomplish this, consider yourself as a “product” that must be sold. As an executive, you’re constantly selling- the sales cycle never stops because you, as the product, always have to sell the fact that your skill set and product offering will bring value to the organization that you’re a part of. So, put your sales hat on and think about the needs of the buyer. In this case, the buyer is your employer. The needs of your employer are likely to change, so it’s important that you keep in close touch with the decision maker and identify his or her concerns and assessment of the pertinent issues that the company is facing. Accept the fact that there will be change, and embrace it! Be willing to wear multiple hats and seek to be a contributor and a giver to other people throughout the organization who may need assistance. This will help you establish a web of contacts throughout the company and will help to establish your brand as someone who the company ultimately can’t be without. Don’t be afraid to talk about your own success and progress. Help others understand why you’re valuable by marketing the qualifications that you have. Ultimately, be sure that you’re developing a contingency plan, as well. Add to your resume as time goes on and have an idea of the action steps you’d take if your job suddenly disappeared.