Advice from the boss: keys to job security

If you’re counting your blessings that you still have a job, patting yourself on the back because your boss appreciates you, and offering shallow, useless sympathy to the less fortunate, you will live to regret it.  In this difficult market, resting on your laurels is a big-time mistake.  Here’s what you should be doing to improve your job security.

1. Be on time or be early.  Don’t kid yourself that no one is watching, that it’s the culture of the company or the region or just the world in general to start everything late.  If you tend to be first to meetings, keep a "to read" folder and be productive while you wait. If your workday starts at 8:00, be there.  If the boss isn’t in yet, even better – you can get started before he arrives and be ready with a friendly "Good morning!"   Trust me, I’m the boss so I know how delightful that can be.
2. Get your work done on time, or sound the alarm in advance.  There is no excuse for missing a deadline.  If there’s a problem with a project, don’t shove it under the rug.  Alert others to the issue and seek help before it’s too late.
3. Communicate!   Communicate openly and frequently, to supervisors and co-workers. Communicate clearly with clients. Don’t hide behind email – think about the best communication method for each person, each instance. How annoyed do you get when you receive an email or voicemail that just says "call me," without a clue what it’s about?  Make your messages short, clear, and useful.
4. Help others.   This applies to supervisors, co-workers, clients.   Think about serving client interests in everything you do. Think innovatively, creatively. If you don’t know what clients need, ask them.  When you’re out meeting people and networking, don’t swoop in and ask for a sale – ask “how can I help you?”
5. Seek feedback.   Welcome constructive feedback. If you’re not getting it, ask for it. If your performance review meeting is all positives, push to identify areas where you can grow. If you’re getting nowhere just asking, make suggestions about what you plan to work on this year and gain approval or even assistance!

Don’t sit back and relax.  Now is the time to raise your energy level, rev up your productivity, and demonstrate — every day — the value that you offer.