Unfireable. No, the word unfireable does not exist in the Merriam Webster’s dictionary, but it is quickly becoming a new catchphrase. In September 2018, the unemployment rate declined to 3.7 percent. These statistics are not an indication that people are safe from not getting fired.
In this tough economy, it is becoming challenging to maintain your position at work or your client on a good day. How can you ensure that if you are released from your duties from your employer or your client, that it was not because you did not do your best? Here are a few suggestions, based on observations occurring from the numerous terminations I have unfortunately conducted as a human resource professional.
Step 1: Get Motivated, Not Fired!
Pray, meditate, breathe, exercise, listen to your favorite radio show, call your sister, your church leader. Just do whatever it is you need to do to motivate yourself so that you can walk through the doors of your workplace with a bright, excited, genuine smile. Being late is not an option. Gossiping and being the source of drama is not an option. Make a decision to be at work fifteen minutes earlier. Say good morning to your peers. Be a source of positivity in the office. Have an attitude of gratitude. Rid yourself of complaining about your home life or people at work. Instead, become the person that has the solutions. If this sounds unrealistic or extremely challenging, may I humbly suggest a few good books to put you in the right state of mind; The Bible, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle; Become a Better You by Joel Osteen, LiveYour Dreams by Les Brown, and Reposition Yourself by T.D. Jakes.
Step 2: Set the Standard of Excellence.
Once you make a conscious decision to have an attitude adjustment, be a positive example of how excellence in the workplace. Please do not mistake this for telling others what to do or being a “know-it-all.” Strive to “know-it-all” while patiently training and teaching others what you have learned. Study your company’s culture, goals, and objectives and then integrate them into your daily work habits. Think of ways to shorten a process and save your company money. If they do not adopt your plan, they will have respect for your newfound inventiveness.
Step 3: Stay Marketable.
Do you know how much you are worth? Do you know what businesses are hiring in your area? You would be surprised how many companies still hire during so-called employment crises. Work on your resume. Take a class. Turn off the television and read a book that will expand your knowledge in your career field. Take advantage of courses and seminars your company offers. Attend networking events to meet new people and to share strategies on how to take your career to the next level.
So, start with the simple act of deciding to be different today and do not limit your challenges but challenge your limits. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.”
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