How to keep your job in this economy

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Recently, we talked about ways to avoid having to conduct a job search in today's troubled economy -- or, how to keep your current job.
We talked about knowing what your employer's priorities are, then making sure you are focusing on them, rather than what you may think your job is, or what you prefer doing. There is no question that we tend to concentrate on the things we enjoy the most, and often we avoid the things we don't like to do.
We all play denial at work!
But what if those difficult tasks are the most important things that your employer needs you to do? Don't you think that today's troubled economy is a good time to take your head out of the sand and get real?
The other day I had a conversation with a manager of a large department store. He told me he was having discussions with all employees, pointing out the way that his employees are measured. Then, he asks a very simple question: "If you fully understand the most important areas we measure you by, but fail to make an effort in two out of three, why should we keep you here?"
He used two key words -- "measure" and "effort". Here are his suggestions:
- Know how your job is measured. If you don't know, ask your supervisor.
Believe me, they want you to know how your job is measured because they want you to be productive. These are tough times and one of the most costly business expenses is turnover, so do your employer a favor and find out how you are measured, then shake the sand off of your head and get to work!
- Make an effort. You may not score 100 in all areas of measurability, but if you are truly trying, and documenting your efforts, it counts when the time comes to add up your score.
It doesn't matter what you do for a living. Your job is measured. Your employer has priorities and you are there to help satisfy those priorities. Find out what they are and how you are measured, then focus on doing what you have to do -- not what your co-workers think -- but what you know is important. When the dust settles, you should be fine.
(Marvin Walberg is a job search coach. Contact him at mwalberg(at)bellsouth.net, marvinwalberg.blogspot.com, or PO Box 43056, Birmingham, AL 35243.)

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