Three Layoff-Proof Strategies to Increase Your Value as a Professional

By: Olena Mytruk

As we are continuing to navigate uncertainty in the economy, we hear again and again about mass layoffs in companies, big or small. And when you read on the news that even mental companies lay off their staff, you inevitably begin to worry that you are next.

When that happens, you likely start grabbing every opportunity, every task to prove that you are a valuable resource. You overload yourself with work just to prove that you are capable and productive. And in this race, it is very easy to lose yourself — lose what makes you YOU.

But please, hear me out — today, more than ever, you need to bring more of YOU to the table.

As a corporate executive and a service provider myself, I see both inside my company, as well as with my corporate clients, WHAT makes a person who will never (or very unlikely) be laid off. On the other hand, as the life design coach and mentor, I conduct daily conversations with professional women who are navigating these unprecedented times.

And today, I want to share with you three proven strategies that can help you to not only minimize the risk of being laid off, but to actually strengthen your position as a professional. Because the truth is, when the time comes to cut the costs, the companies don’t retain those who simply execute on tasks — they retain those who create IMPACT.

But what does that really mean? Let’s find out.

Strategy #1: Bring your vision to the table.

Literally. What is your vision: for your company, for your department, for your team, for yourself?

It is time to raise your voice and to make sure it is heard. Because in times of uncertainty, leaders of the companies more than ever need fresh perspectives, new ideas, and innovative approaches.

But first, you need to have that vision.

So, start by setting long-term goals:

• Where do I want to be in five years from now?
• What does reality look like for me when I get there?
• Which of my core values is it aligned with?
• Why is it important to get there?

Then, move onto mid-term goals:

• Where do I need to be in one year from now to be way on track for my five-year vision?
• What/who can help me get there?
• What are the possible obstacles and how can I overcome them?

And finally, make it actionable:

• What are my short-term goals?
• How are they connected with my mid-term goals?
• What are the first three action items that I can take TODAY to start building momentum?

[Related: Five Rs Essential to Transform Your Business in an Uncertain Economy]

Strategy #2: Deep engagement creates excellent results.

What is the first thing we do when we get overloaded with work? Exactly, we start multitasking. As a result, and because we have to constantly switch focus between several tasks, we likely produce mediocre results.

Now, because these results are not worth being proud of, we disengage and begin to work on autopilot. We continue to multitask, and this cycle starts again.

Now is the time to break this cycle.

Pick one important task and give it your full and undivided attention. Engage with this task on a deeper level and create results that you will be genuinely proud of. It is a win-win situation. On one hand, the results of your work will be highly appreciated by the leaders of your company and your teammates. And, on the other hand (and this is even more important), you will feel accomplished and satisfied at the end of the day.

Which, in its turn, will motivate you to produce even better results tomorrow.

[Related: How the Future Works]

Strategy #3: Capitalize on your strengths.

Are you a great team player that can easily unite the team around the common goal? Are you able to find the right words to explain complicated things the way that will resonate in people’s hearts? Do you bravely take the leap and make hard decisions fast when others hesitate? Are you capable of finding creative solutions and innovative ways to solve problems?

Teamwork, honesty, courage, creativity — these are all personal strengths that you already have. Some of them you use more than others, and today is the day to bring all of them forward and to fully capitalize on them.

How well do you know your strengths? There is a quick way to find out.

Before you go to bed, ask yourself the following questions, and write down the answers:

• What went well today? (Be sure to come up with at least one item!)
• Which of my strengths have contributed to this success?
• How exactly did I use my strengths today?

When practiced daily, this exercise will help you uncover your top strengths so you can apply them in various areas of your life, both personal and professional. And not just that, but it is an efficient way to build confidence.

Because confidence, by definition, is us recognizing and appreciating our strengths. And having confidence is your BEST layoff-proof strategy!

[Related: How to Turn a Skills Deficiency into Project Management Proficiency]

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Olena Mytruk is the life design coach and mentor for entrepreneurial and professional women. She is on a mission to help busy women thrive in life, career and business. Olena has been named as one of the Top 30 Inspirational Women In Tech, she is the host of The Spark Your Life Podcast and speaker at the Yellow Conference 2023. Sign up for Olena’s FREE 3-week Life Design 101 Bootcamp and learn how to 10X your life, both personal and professional.

Originally published at https://www.ellevatenetwork.com on August 9, 2023.