Posted on: Monday, December 26, 2005
Take time to evaluate your role
By Anita Bruzzese
As the year draws to a close, it's a good time to reassess where you stand in your job. Are you a vital part of your employer's success? Does the boss depend on you for important tasks? Is your input seen as critical in achieving goals?
If you answer no to any of these questions, it might be cause for concern. As more companies are faced with global competition, few can afford to hang on to employees who don't make a difference in the company's success.
So if you're just warming the chair, it's time to figure out how your skills and abilities can be put to better use to keep out of the unemployment line. Some ways to do that include:
Look at your abilities. Not just the ones that got you the job in the first place but the ones the boss may not be aware of. Does the boss know you can speak Chinese or that you take creative-writing courses on your own time? Writing skills and speaking another language are important business skills that can be used in a variety of ways.
Take charge. Don't wait for someone to teach you something. Ask to cross-train in another department or attend a seminar or class that can teach you new skills. Tell the boss you're interested in expanding your abilities so you will be more valuable. If you see a problem, come up with a plan and show how a positive outcome can be achieved.
Speak up. Use language such as "I can," "I will" and "I know" to prove you're confident you can get the job done. Don't say "I feel" or "I guess," which don't portray confidence. Look others in the eye when speaking and eliminate bad habits such as fiddling with your hair, slouching or shifting from one foot to the other.
Volunteer. If you're looking to establish your leadership abilities, volunteer for a project or job. Even if you're a low-level employee, you can volunteer to head up the holiday party or charity fundraiser. Show you're willing to take on a task and see it completed.
Focus. Don't let yourself get sidetracked by petty squabbling and gossiping. Not only do such activities sap your energy, but they can result in damaging your reputation with co-workers and your boss. Keep a positive attitude and avoid personal criticism.
Pass it forward. It doesn't cost you anything to offer sincere praise or recognition to others, and the payback can be enormous. Co-workers can be greatly motivated by such actions and bosses will appreciate your ability to inspire others.
Walk around. Don't rely only on voice mail, e-mail or meetings to communicate with others. Take time to walk to someone's desk to deliver a message or offer feedback, and don't be shy about asking someone to have a cup of coffee. The point is to initiate face-to-face contact that often is sorely missing in today's workplace environment. Those interactions are often much more productive, efficient — and enjoyable.
Lend support. Attend company-sponsored events such as charity fundraisers or picnics not only to support your employer but also to rub elbows with top brass. The environment is often much more relaxed and gives you a chance to make supportive comments about the company and offer ideas that will interest the higher-ups.
Reach Anita Bruzzese c/o Business Editor, Gannett News Service, 7950 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, Va. 22107.
