Job Security

During my career, I've received a lot of advice - most of which came right after I did something really stupid - all of it came unsolicited. Here are some examples that, if followed, will increase one's job security. Even though nobody could ever live up to the entire list, it does make a great goal to aim for and a good yardstick for reality checks.

Realize that job security is not negotiated once, it is earned daily.

It may be WHO you know that got you a job, but it is what you DO that will make it last. In today's unpredictable economy, the definition of job security has become "When you lose a JOB, how soon can you SECURE another one?" If you strive to make your current boss the best reference for your next job, you may never need another job.

Make your boss look good.

When someone outside your department confronts you with an error that was your boss's fault, take the heat for them. Say "I'll take responsibility for that and fix it." This works best right in front of your boss.

Admit your own mistakes.

When confronted with one of your mistakes, don't waste everybody's time trying to explain how and why it happened. Just say "Good call". Then fix the mistake and never repeat it.

Immediately inform your boss when you have made a mistake.

Send an e-mail and CC to everyone who is going to find out anyway. Tell them how and when you will correct it. People will tend to overlook your mistakes when they hear about them from you first.

Keep a list of your mistakes.

It makes a great checklist for future projects and it also helps to keep you humble.

Set a positive example.

A great leader is a great example. Demonstrate to your boss the honesty, integrity and fairness that you expect to receive in return.

Respect authority.

Before you try to change your boss's mind, reassure them that they have your cooperation. They are more apt to consider your side once they know you are willing to accept theirs.

Learn something new every day.

Read the manual, use the help function, call the hot line, ask your peers, and experiment. Be willing to share what you learn, but don't cram it down other people's throat. Regardless of how great a guru you become, you can still learn something from even a beginner. When someone tells you something you already know, don't say "I already know that." Instead, say "Thank you, that sounds like really good advice."

Use macros, programs and script files.

They will reduce errors and boredom on repetitive tasks. If you don't know how to write them, learn.

Keep chit chat to a minimum.

You are being paid to work, not gossip. When you do talk about non-work related subjects at the office, don't discuss wages, sex, religion, or politics.

Don't say anything negative about someone else.

When you throw mud, you lose ground.

Don't complain about your job.

If you are dissatisfied with your job, then ask your boss to improve it. If your boss can't improve your job, then go find a better one. If you can't find a better job, then shut up and get back to work.

When you leave a job, don't give less than 2 weeks notice.

And don't leave in the middle of a project. Even if you are a contractor or temporary employee. Even if the last time you worked for this company they laid you off with less than 2 weeks notice. Never lower yourself to someone else's standards.

Believe there is a God - and accept that it is NOT you!

We are all mere mortals, guaranteed to make mistakes. Be tolerant of this in yourself and others.