The WorkLife Minute with Judy Martin:
Communicating
on WorkLife Culture, Success and Serenity
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Martin's Bio
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Enhancing your Career Profile in a Jittery Job Market
The credit crunch caused by the sub-prime mortgage crisis and recession concerns, has Wall Street rethinking its numbers. Some of the largest financial institutions have been riddled with poor earnings reports and as a result the hammer has come down in the slashing of jobs. And it appears the blood letting is not over. Most analyst estimates indicate that the employment rate will take a hit in the aftermath.
The underlying fear about the economy has economists and career counselors pontificating on the condition of the job market and leaves many of us thinking about our job security in general. The concept of “face-time” takes the front burner. Unfortunately, the worklife balance that so many of us have been striving for might be threatened in the muddy waters of recession because of the perception that more "face time" = "higher productivity." But that’s a myth that’s quietly being busted in the hallways of corporate America.
As more companies implement what has long been referred to as "worklife balance initiatives" - addressing strategies such as flex-time, part-time, job sharing and telecommuting - we are seeing a more enlightened view emerge about "face time", albeit not across the board. So the onus falls upon the worker to “see or be seen” and make an impression in the workplace or in business. So it’s really in the best interest to be on your game by managing your career with awareness and a little extra effort. Here are some suggestions:
- Examine your working conditions. What can you do to change your productivity levels? A change in working hours or perhaps a de-stressing routine might boost your productivity and status.
- Identifying your strengths: What are the work tasks that you excel at, come easy to you, or you are most passionate about. It might not be such a stretch to take on a bit more responsibility in that area or a project. This is a good way to stand out, without burning out.
- Go beyond your comfort zone: When is the last time you met a new colleague for lunch or had a friendly chat with your boss? This is subtle networking which puts you on the radar screen beyond water cooler conversation.
- Learn a new skill: In our 24/7 working environment there are always new ways to do business. You might take a training course in a new computer program, enhance your current skills with new certifications, or even learn a new language.
- Share your accomplishments: There are subtle ways of informing your boss of your accolades. Whether it be an award or landing a new client. What communication works in your workplace atmosphere? It might be a simple e-mail or a quick dropping of the news at a lunch break.
- New business: There's no better way to draw attention than to bring in new business. Check out older leads, perhaps there is repeat business with existing clients that can be explored. Examine your strategy and by taking a conscious look at what has worked and hasn't worked in the past.
Judy Martin
http://www.JudyMartinSpeaks.com
Judy Martin's Blog
http://www.worklifemonitor.com/
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