by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

Does the thought of an economic slump ever frighten you?

The economy is like the ocean. There will always be an ebb and flow.

Instead of worrying that the tide will never return to shore when it goes out to sea, take steps to gain benefits from a recession in the long term.

STOP SURVIVING

Even though there’s no guarantee that your job will survive when the economy is slow, you can take actions that will give you the best chance to thrive.

Managers often probe profit and loss statements with a magnifying glass during economic downturns. The performance of all employees, especially salespeople, is scrutinized to see how they contribute to the bottom line. You want it to be clear that you’re indispensable.

Doing your best work will always be one of your best defenses. Yet, there is much more you can do. I’m going to share some of the best strategies with you.

KNOW THYSELF

Reduce any fear you have about being laid-off by taking an inventory of your skills and knowledge. Take special notes about how you’re unique. Describe specifically how your work contributes to the bottom line. Do your special customer service skills increase customer loyalty? How does your technical expertise save other workers time, which increases profits? List your more tangible contributions like sales you’ve made, workflow systems you’ve designed, or outstanding accounts you’ve landed.

Practice saying out loud why you’re essential to the success of your organization. Look in the mirror while you’re doing this. This will begin to build a new neural network in your brain that will lead to more confidence. You’ll also be able to spontaneously recite your accomplishments effectively because your polished presentation will eventually sound natural.

When you’re practicing, connect problems you solve to solutions you provide. Here’s an example: “You know how management has complained about _________? Well, I help solve this problem by __________.”

Read books and research the Internet with the goal of discovering new ways to perform even better and with greater ease.

FLEX AND GROW

During a recession, many managers shift staff assignments. If you think your organization might let you go to save on employment taxes and benefits, consider volunteering to be a subcontractor.

Companies also reprioritize the skills they need when the economy crumbles. How versatile are you? Identify new skills that will make you even more marketable. Develop a plan to clearly brand yourself as an asset to your organization.

Most people overlook how simple this can be. In the National Happiness at Work Studies that led to writing the book, “Joy on the Job,” we discovered a reason some employees were protected during downsizing and reorganizations while others were ditched.

JUST ASK

People who thrived had consistently and sincerely asked their bosses a critical question, “How can I become even more valuable to this organization?” When thrivers perceived that their current department or location might be downsized, they volunteered to transfer to another area.

Assume you and your boss are a true team. Approach your manager in a win-win way, “I can see that we’re in flux. What training should I be getting so I can be even more helpful? Should I be sharing my talents in a new way?”

DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE

Check out your options. Talk to coworkers and mentors. Research the Internet. Read online trade publications. They’ll be more current than most print magazines.

Take advantage of the protective power of networking with your former bosses and colleagues and participating in trade associations. Although this is always important, it’s even more essential when an organizational reorganization is imminent.

Volunteer for interesting new assignments in your company that will help you make new connections and develop new skills. Identify ways to meet and work with new people who can help you, including people at even the highest levels of the organization.

Another article posted at http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com “Use the Informal Organization to Boost Your Success” explains fun new ways to easily access top managers.

SHARPEN YOUR SELF-PROMOTION SKILLS

Toot your horn in tactful ways. How can you increase awareness of your unique skills and talents? Do the right people know what projects you’re working on? Are they aware of your successes?

You don’t have to be a boring bragger in order to increase awareness of how much you’ve saved the organization money or helped produce a loyal customer base. Some of the most valuable people in every organization dislike selling themselves, but self-promotion is essential if you want to thrive.

If you really feel shaky stating your successes and skills, use the “Blame Other People” strategy. If you pay attention, you’ll hear successful self-promoters saying, “My customers say I help them ______.”

If you’re concerned that talking about your achievements will create jealousy, consider using the Academy Awards approach. Generously pass praise around and acknowledge team support. Just make sure you don’t deny your own accomplishments.

Notice how the people who leapfrog past you at promotion time are involved with buddies who support each other. In the elevator, Pat benefits when Kelly teases about Pat’s latest greatest idea. The next day, Pat ribs Kelly about her breakthrough achievement. Who can help you use this strategy so you both win?

TAKE THE LONG ROAD

As you can see, all of these strategies are designed not for surviving, but for thriving, no matter what economic climate you experience. Practice these proven techniques and you’ll enjoy greater success and much more happiness at work. You’ll receive many long-term benefits that you can take to the bank long after the recession is over.

Visit http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com and get more free tips, podcasts, & special reports. Sign up for the free “Joy On the Job Ezine.” Doris Helge, Ph.D., is an executive coach & a corporate trainer for companies as large as Microsoft. Download sample chapters from Dr. Helge’s book, “Joy on the Job” & “Transforming Pain Into Power” at http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com & hear podcasts from the “More Joy on the Job Radio Show.”

© 2008. Permission to reprint this article is granted if the article is in tact, with proper credit given. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Originally published in “Joy on the Job” & http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com © 2008.