Here in Michigan the economy is still pretty much stuck in the mud. It seems like every week another company closes the doors and puts more people on the streets looking for work. Those who remain are taking drastic measures to cut every bit of slack in their systems.
One of the most common questions I get from people is "How do I survive the layoffs and cutbacks?"
My typical response starts with one statement. Show them why they should keep you!
What do I mean by that? Pretty much exactly what it is. Every day, all day, fully engage with your work and your company. Don't let yourself get bogged down by the 40+% of the people who are disengaged and doing just enough to get by. In fact, don't even associate with them. Eventually, they are going to be gone. You need to set yourself apart.
Set your sites on finding ways to make money, save money, save time, save unhappy customers, etc. Think of yourself as a private investigator who is on a mission to find the waste and cut the slack. Once you find the holes in the systems, look for solutions and make recommendations for improvements.
Round it all out with an upbeat attitude and a sense of enthusiasm. Then rally the troops. Get other people excited about what you're doing. Involve them. Cheer them on. Spread it like the largest computer virus in history.
Notice the difference between "telling" and "showing" here? If you just do it, you don't have to tell them anything. They'll see it for themselves. And where do you think your name will be on the layoff list? On the bottom...just where you want it!
Once your company decides to close the doors there's not much you can do. But, there's PLENTY you can do in the meantime. Don't waste any more time. Just DO IT...NOW!
Let me ask you this...What have you done up until now to help your company reduce costs?
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