We must all focus on recession-proofing our careers. Many are worried about their jobs, but most don't do anything about it. Instead of sticking their heads in the sand, people need to make sure they're brushing up on their skills so that, even with so many cutbacks happening across just about every industry, their companies will see them as the valuable assets that they are. Here are some simple steps that people can take that will help recession-proof their skills: There's no doubt about it, the economy is in a mess, and no-one knows how long it's going to last for. The stock market continues to fall, and the economy remains in the doldrums, despite Congress's bailout plan.
The majority of people watch the news of thousands of lay-offs with resignation. "I guess I will just have to continue to work hard, and hope for the best" seems the attitude of many, which is incredibly worrying.
Far from the time to continue to do what you've always done, it is at crisis points like this that we must all focus on recession-proofing our careers. Many are worried about their jobs, but most don't do anything about it.
Instead of sticking their heads in the sand, people need to make sure they're brushing up on their skills so that, even with so many cutbacks happening across just about every industry, their companies will see them as the valuable assets that they are.
Here are some simple steps that people can take that will help recession-proof their skills.
Step one: The old adage is true - if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you always have. So don't just carry on regardless, but look at how you can enhance your skills. You could, for example, look at the computer programs you use at work and improve your skills with them. Look at all the technology available to you to maximize your productivity and make the most of it - work smarter, not harder! It'll help you find more hours to be truly productive and valuable.
A lot of people learn 'just enough' to do their jobs. Make an honest inventory of your existing skills and make an effort to improve on some of them. For example, most of us over the age of 30 or so learned to use spreadsheets on the job. What percentage of the features on your spreadsheet program do you know how to use properly, and what percentage do you 'kinda' know? Most programs come complete with tutorials - so why not make the most of free training?
Step two: You've increased the depth of your existing skills, now it's time to broaden them. Try taking on new responsibilities at work, and volunteer for new tasks. Offer to take on new projects, especially the stuff that no one else wants to do - and do it before someone else does. You'll learn new skills, and your boss will really appreciate it. The more you're willing to go out on a limb, the more valuable you become to your boss and your company. It'll look great on your resume, too!
Step Three: Take the lead. Once you've shown willingness to take on new projects, the natural progression is to continue to develop leadership skills. Some people think that leadership is just for supervisors and managers. This is nonsense. Everyone can use leadership skills to add value to their company. Businesses need leaders at all levels of the organization. Take up every opportunity you can to lead a group, team or committee and, if the opportunity doesn't come up at work, volunteer in your local community and use that to put something back while developing your skills. Every time you take the lead, you gain more experience in influencing others; which is a universally valued skill.
And finally...
Revisit your resume. I'm not implying you'll be looking for work in the immediate future, quite the opposite. Used correctly, your resume is an inventory of a valued company asset. Cast a critical eye over your resume - find the gaps and get them filled in! For example, if you think your resume is a little light on the leadership experience, offer to head up the company's next holiday party or charity event. If there are no opportunities at work, why not volunteer to co-ordinate a blood drive, co-ordinate a food collection for your local homeless shelter, or volunteer for the school board.
What does your work experience and resume tell others? Make sure that it's well-rounded and up-to-date, and let your skills will bring you through these rocky times.
The main point to take away from this is that, when times are changing, you have to change with them. People are naturally resistant to change so, if you can take the lead, enhance the depth and breadth of your skills, sharpen up your resume and be at the forefront of the changes, then you're one step ahead of the majority.
Before you can lead others, you've got to take the lead with yourself.
Marsha Egan, CPCU, PCC is CEO of The Egan Group, Inc., a Reading, PA based professional coaching firm. She is a certified workplace productivity coach and professional speaker, specializing in leadership development and can be reached at marsha@marshaegan.com or visit http://www.InboxDetox.com.
By Marsha Egan
The majority of people watch the news of thousands of lay-offs with resignation. "I guess I will just have to continue to work hard, and hope for the best" seems the attitude of many, which is incredibly worrying.
Far from the time to continue to do what you've always done, it is at crisis points like this that we must all focus on recession-proofing our careers. Many are worried about their jobs, but most don't do anything about it.
Instead of sticking their heads in the sand, people need to make sure they're brushing up on their skills so that, even with so many cutbacks happening across just about every industry, their companies will see them as the valuable assets that they are.
Here are some simple steps that people can take that will help recession-proof their skills.
Step one: The old adage is true - if you do what you've always done, you'll get what you always have. So don't just carry on regardless, but look at how you can enhance your skills. You could, for example, look at the computer programs you use at work and improve your skills with them. Look at all the technology available to you to maximize your productivity and make the most of it - work smarter, not harder! It'll help you find more hours to be truly productive and valuable.
A lot of people learn 'just enough' to do their jobs. Make an honest inventory of your existing skills and make an effort to improve on some of them. For example, most of us over the age of 30 or so learned to use spreadsheets on the job. What percentage of the features on your spreadsheet program do you know how to use properly, and what percentage do you 'kinda' know? Most programs come complete with tutorials - so why not make the most of free training?
Step two: You've increased the depth of your existing skills, now it's time to broaden them. Try taking on new responsibilities at work, and volunteer for new tasks. Offer to take on new projects, especially the stuff that no one else wants to do - and do it before someone else does. You'll learn new skills, and your boss will really appreciate it. The more you're willing to go out on a limb, the more valuable you become to your boss and your company. It'll look great on your resume, too!
Step Three: Take the lead. Once you've shown willingness to take on new projects, the natural progression is to continue to develop leadership skills. Some people think that leadership is just for supervisors and managers. This is nonsense. Everyone can use leadership skills to add value to their company. Businesses need leaders at all levels of the organization. Take up every opportunity you can to lead a group, team or committee and, if the opportunity doesn't come up at work, volunteer in your local community and use that to put something back while developing your skills. Every time you take the lead, you gain more experience in influencing others; which is a universally valued skill.
And finally...
Revisit your resume. I'm not implying you'll be looking for work in the immediate future, quite the opposite. Used correctly, your resume is an inventory of a valued company asset. Cast a critical eye over your resume - find the gaps and get them filled in! For example, if you think your resume is a little light on the leadership experience, offer to head up the company's next holiday party or charity event. If there are no opportunities at work, why not volunteer to co-ordinate a blood drive, co-ordinate a food collection for your local homeless shelter, or volunteer for the school board.
What does your work experience and resume tell others? Make sure that it's well-rounded and up-to-date, and let your skills will bring you through these rocky times.
The main point to take away from this is that, when times are changing, you have to change with them. People are naturally resistant to change so, if you can take the lead, enhance the depth and breadth of your skills, sharpen up your resume and be at the forefront of the changes, then you're one step ahead of the majority.
Before you can lead others, you've got to take the lead with yourself.
Marsha Egan, CPCU, PCC is CEO of The Egan Group, Inc., a Reading, PA based professional coaching firm. She is a certified workplace productivity coach and professional speaker, specializing in leadership development and can be reached at marsha@marshaegan.com or visit http://www.InboxDetox.com.
By Marsha Egan
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