Advancing Within The Job You Have

By Johnny Duncan

There are things we can do to prevent a layoff from becoming a reality. Doing our homework, staying informed and taking positive action is crucial. This involves networking within our company, reading our employer’s updates and newsletters to understand where the company is going, and keeping up with national and local government initiatives that affect our area of business.

“People need to recognize that with the economy in a state of flux and with the rapid rate of technology advancements, they need to be open to the inevitability that the nature of their jobs will continue to change,” states Kimberly Smith-Jentsch, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, UCF, and contributor to Workforce Florida’s efforts to keep individuals employed. “If they are not willing or able to adapt to those changes, they will not be marketable. Organizations may not be able to predict what a particular job will look like in the near or long-term future but they can predict that it will change. For this reason, job candidates and job incumbents who have the ability and willingness to continually learn and adapt are the most valuable.”

Keeping up with a company’s technological changes is a must, but we still need to apply the time-tested guiding principles to help us navigate the job seas with a firm North in our work compass. These include the following:

1.) Continually Improve. Taking company classes in areas which will enhance your ability to perform in your current role and help prepare you for the role you are working toward.

2.) Coach. Remember, what you learn means little if you keep this newfound knowledge to yourself. By sharing what you have learned with the rest of your team, you show that you care about the company and look beyond your own well-being.

3.) Listen. The basis for human communications, and the best way to learn from each other, is to listen. Listen for words, for body language, for what is not being said, for needs and for potential challenges.

4.) Network. Participate in social events and volunteer in company programs. Get involved. This is a great pressure-free way to let other potential bosses, and teammates, know what a solid asset you could be to their team. (It doesn’t hurt when you apply for a new role and the interviewer is someone you volunteered with in an after school program.)

5.) Learn how to receive feedback. If you are able to gracefully digest all feedback, and yes, this includes poorly shared feedback, you will always have the upper hand. When receiving feedback, take notes, listen, take more notes, and thank the person providing the feedback for taking the time to do so. Remember, your first reaction may not be the best. Writing down your thoughts and sleeping on it will prevent you from acting impulsively, a trait no manager or future boss wants to see.

6.) Learn how to provide constructive feedback. When offering others your point of view on their performance, remember that feedback should be specific, should not make others feel ridiculed, is best received when shared privately, and is action-focused (rather than person-focused). Providing feedback in a non-accusatory and solution-driven manner will earn you the respect of your peers and will do nothing but help you and your company.

7.) Be solution-focused. When faced with a challenge, offer solutions and options. Going to your boss’ office empty-handed won’t earn you much credibility. Bring your concerns, but also your ideas.

8.) Adapt. Companies today face more changes and challenges than ever. Be the first to adapt and help others do the same. Your efforts won’t go unnoticed.