Beyond the Knee-Jerk Reaction

Yesterday, I caught the tail end of a news report with advice on holding onto your job during a recession. I didn’t get it all, unfortunately, but a couple of points made were: work harder, work longer hours, and negotiate a pay cut so employers will be more inclined to keep you. It occurred to me that this is a knee-jerk reaction that can keep people from looking at the long-term value they deliver. Fortunately, there is good advice on recession-proofing your career; for example, Annie Fisher, in her, March 15, 2008 column, provides eight strategies.

As I see it, however, paying attention only during times of economic downturn, or after a layoff, is short sighted. As well, it often results in a narrow focus on job title as the basis for finding new opportunities. It’s an old habit and an ineffective one – especially as job titles have become increasingly commoditized.  Better to have and communicate a base of value that can sustain your career through economic cycles and through the persistent pressures of our faster and flatter world.

How do you arrive at your base of value? Well, the most effective way is to uncover your personal brand. Knowing the unique value you deliver, as well as the attributes, skills, and strengths that drive that value, is one of the best career management strategies available to you. And there’s no better time to get started than now!

Cross-posted at The Personal Branding Blog

Comments

[Winnie Anderson]

I agree with you Walter. That article sounds like it advocates grovelling as a career strategy rather than negotiating. When you understand your value and how your value positively impacts the organization you can negotiate from a position of strength if need be. As for recession-proof tips...how about the great one you gave to me for the article on the same topic? Network! Here's the article (scroll down the page): http://www.acweekly.com/view.php?id=8428&issue_id=226

[Walter Akana]

Hi Winnie! Thanks for stopping by! Actually, groveling is a good word for this – but a bad strategy! I think that proactive career management, with clarity about your value, is critical at all times! And it’s ongoing networking that can help you communicate value and position yourself for your next career move – whether it’s inside or outside of your current organization. Thanks for the link to your article!