Advice for Employees in an Economic Downturn
Posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 by Frank RocheThis is “How to Deal with the Economic Downturn Week” at KnowHR. Most of the time I talk to HR people, but today here’s a piece of advice for employees:
If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the precipitate.
–Henry J. Tillman
This is no time for fooling around or thinking “this too shall pass.” It won’t. There will be fallout.
Companies need employees to be on their “A Game,” both in terms of results and how they’re achieved. Because, employees, it’s either that or learn to ask that all-important question: You want fries with that?
Bill at www.HumanMarkets.com/Blog
May 13th, 2008
There are two decisions that someone can make about your employment – both decisions are market-type actions.
First one is – should you be in the job or is there a better alternative in the labor market. If you are not adding value (on a net-after compensation basis) worry about how to become more valuable for the problems the organization faces today.
Second one is different – regardless of who is in the role, “Is this job really needed?” Know whether or not the role you are in makes a contribution to what is important for your organization today. One strategy if it isn’t… find something that is, that you can do and suggest that your original position go the way of all things. People love self-starters who can see the forest for the trees and think of the group first.
Your job security is about your level of competitiveness in a market. The organization has plenty of places to invest scarce resources. Make sure that you understand the market for internal investment.
Frank Roche
May 13th, 2008
Man, that’s the boldest of all — work your way out of a job and look for more to do. Thinking about the group needs to be highly valued, otherwise individuals should go out on their own and find out how fun that can be.