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The global and local news regarding the contraction and re-alignment of business priorities in the UAE causes everyone to have worrisome thoughts. How safe is my job? Am I at risk of being made redundant? What should I do now? How can I hope for the best, but prepare for the worst? As a career management consultant who coached many individuals during the recessions of the 1980’s and 1990’s in the USA, and who has recently worked with several people made redundant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, I have seven tips to share with you on how to manage your career in these turbulent times.
1. Don’t Panic. It’s hard not to have scary and somber thoughts during an economic slowdown. Suddenly all your plans seem shaky and your paycheck uncertain. Fear is a natural emotion during these times, but giving into fear won’t help. Instead, remain focused and motivated. Tune out naysayers who only fuel your negative thoughts.
2. Do your job well. It’s important that you keep doing your work at the highest level of quality and engagement. Yes, I know it’s hard to do with nagging fears in the back of your mind. However, being keen on delivering your best is most important now. Managers and supervisors are often asked to take a closer look at who adds value through their performance and who has been just “along for the ride.” Your commitment to organization’s objectives and your willingness to do what has to be done with as much skill and enthusiasm as you can muster, will make you appear more valuable than those who slow down and mope.
3. Don’t gossip. Have you noticed clusters of your colleagues standing around with coffee, wringing their hands and bad mouthing the company, its leadership and the decisions they make? Refrain being attached to this group. Loose lips sink ships, and they also torpedo your career opportunities. Be watchful of your discussions at work. Walk away from “doom and gloom” conversations. Rather look for ways to contribute your ideas, thoughts, and actions to activities that focus on strengths of the organization and its deliverables. Don’t give them a reason to target you.
4. Be visible. Now is the time to be visible in a positive manner both internally and externally. Volunteer for a task force or committee that is looking at ways to streamline operations or to engage customers in a new way. Make sure your bosses see you doing your best to contribute to the on-going success of the company. If you have always been someone who barely makes in on time and leaves as soon as possible, change your pattern. Roll up your sleeves, tackle tough problems and stay late if that’s what it takes.
5. Take stock. It’s time for you to re-evaluate your skills, talents and abilities, and where they fit in the labor market. Review your work over the last year. Can you identify your accomplishments and how your contributions made a difference to your department? Make sure that you can quantify your achievements in terms of efficiency, accuracy, increased revenue, cost savings or better customer relations. Focus on actions, not responsibilities. This is the first step to a new resume, should you need it. Take time now to identify the industries or market segments which might need you or where you might be able to add value. Do it now.
6. Re-engage your contact network. Acting like an ostrich with your head in the sand is not in your best interest. If you have neglected your professional and personal contacts, now is the time to re-engage them. Renew your involvement in professional or technical forums, clubs, or blogs. Share ideas and articles that may enhance their jobs and interests. Be able to identify your key accomplishments, skills and abilities and your areas of expertise. Ask them how you might be off assistance to them . You might need their assistance in gaining information, leads and contacts if your situation changes. People are willing to help those who have helped them; it is human nature.
7. Be prepared. Many people don’t keep their resumes up-to-date. They figure I have a great job and I am not planning to leave it anytime soon. That may sound reasonable; however, in an unpredictable and volatile time it leaves you unprepared. Creating a new resume BEFORE you need it, helps you to think more clearly, sharpens your focus on key strengths. It minimizes the fear and pain should you , despite your best efforts, find yourself looking for new employment. While no one has a crystal ball that can predict just what will happen in the times ahead, these seven tips can be the deciding factors in assisting you to successfully navigate these uncertain times.