Gerald Walsh - An Atlantic Canada Leader in Executive Search, Career Transition, Executive Coaching and Human Resources

How to Manage Your Career in Unsettled Times

No one knows for sure how the current economic crisis is going to affect employment in Atlantic Canada. Although this is clearly a 'made-in-the USA' calamity, its spillover effect into other economies, including Canada, illustrates once again just how connected we are globally.

While there are no gloomy predictions of massive layoffs in this region, it's hard to imagine we will avoid a shift away from the buoyant times we've enjoyed over the past few years. Many employers I talk to believe the real effects won't be known until well into 2009. Until then, they appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach toward employment. What this means is that there will be a strict focus on cost control, possible deferral of hiring and expansion plans, modest salary increases, if any, and better training and development of existing staff to strengthen the breadth and depth of their employees' skills. How long this cautious period will last is anybody's guess.

For the individual, this period of uncertainty requires sensible planning. While there may be a natural tendency to retreat in times like this, I would suggest the opposite. Instead, take a proactive approach to keep your career moving. Here are seven strategies that will help you survive and thrive through these unsettled times:

Look for ways to deliver tangible results. In a downturn, the first job cuts tend to be made in cost centres, not profit centres. So departments like customer service, human resources, accounting, marketing, and administration, are usually the first areas that employers look to save money. The jobs that are safer are those in profit centres - those that are directly responsible for generating revenue, like sales and production.

If you happen to work in a cost centre, look for ways to reduce costs because you can be just as valuable to your employer if you save money, as someone who brings in money. Conveying cost cutting suggestions to your employer, even if they are not implemented, sends an unmistakable message that you're thinking about the company's success. Even if you're not in a position to influence the bottom line directly, you can contribute tangibly by becoming a better team player, serving as a mentor to younger workers, or spreading positive news, rather than gossip and worry.

Stand out among the crowd. Contrary to what many recommend, this is not the right time to just 'put your head down and do your job.' Yes, you must do your job and do it well. But don't be invisible. Make sure your boss and other senior managers know what you're doing and that they view you as a valued, contributing member of the team. Communicate your activities and contributions to the company. Speak up at meetings. Volunteer for special projects. Offer to join committees. Work a little longer than everyone else in the office to get some face time with senior management. Remember, the vast majority of the workforce is quite comfortable being ordinary and unnoticed. Becoming extraordinary and standing out from everyone else is relatively easy.

Be fun to work with. Employers want employees who possess an enthusiastic, can-do attitude. If it comes down to laying off staff in a department, in most cases a positive attitude will carry the day, over those with stronger technical skills. While there is a tendency to complain about circumstances beyond our control, like much of the current economic crisis, that whining attitude will not be received well by your employer. A respectful, caring, attitude is clearly the best policy.

Wear multiple hats. A slowdown can offer plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your other skills. When work needs to be done, but there's no one to do it, offer to step in. In one company we know of, when the Health and Safety Manager left unexpectedly, the Office Manager offered to take over his responsibilities, in addition to her own. Not only did this move enable her to create a more interesting and diverse job for herself but the company saved the cost of hiring a new person.

Ensure your skills are current. When choosing who to lay off, companies tend to get rid of people whose skills are dated, or those who resist technological changes in the company. Even if your employer will not reimburse you for tuition or training costs, you should continue to upgrade your skills. Your employer will see you as someone willing to invest in your own future and someone worth hanging on to.

Be a supporter not a resistor. These times are tough for your manager too. They may be facing difficult decisions about how to generate more revenue or where to cut costs. Clearly, this isn't the time to resist change. If your company has indicated there will be no raises this year or that certain other perks are being eliminated, understand that these may be necessary for the company to survive these uncertain times. Support the new plan, offer helpful suggestions, and speak favourably about it around your co-workers. Your ability to empathize, particularly when facing adversity, demonstrates a maturity that will elevate your status within the company.

Keep your moral compass. Often, a person's true character is revealed only when facing a crisis. There are numerous examples of where economic challenges push otherwise honest people to do bad things. For example, in an attempt to cut costs, there may be a temptation to short-change customers or take unfair advantage of suppliers. How you respond to the current challenges can be a clear measure of your moral compass. At all times, it is important both to do the right thing and to be seen to be doing the right thing. Never compromise your integrity. Your personal reputation depends on it.

A final word: Unless your company has clearly signalled its intention to downsize, it may be too early to consider jumping ship. Don't be fooled by thoughts that the grass is greener on the other side. There's a good chance it isn't. So rather than spending all your time polishing up your resume and looking for a new job, stay focused on your work and help your company thrive through these unsettled times.

Gerald Walsh, CMA, is the President and Founder of Gerald Walsh Associates Inc., an executive search, career transition and executive coaching firm.

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