MUNCIE, Ind. - Despite recent corporate cutbacks and layoffs, employees can take steps to minimize the chance of receiving the dreaded pink slip, says a Ball State University career advisor.

After a long period of economic growth where people frequently moved to new and better jobs, workers are now shifting their focus from advancement to survival in order to ride out the recession, said Larry Beck, associate director of the Ball State Career Center.

"While there are few guarantees today, using some of the following suggestions can enhance your viability in your current position while decreasing the chances you'll be viewed as an impediment to your organization's growth and survival," he said.

• Demonstrate the value you bring to the organization. Without becoming a braggart, be assertive in documenting the accomplishments you have made and communicate these on a regular basis to your boss.
• Volunteer for leadership opportunities. Even if you don't hold a management job, you can volunteer to chair taskforces or work groups, offer suggestions for improved customer service and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the organization's business needs.
• Develop and enhance your reputation for reliability. Show your dependability in completing assignments on time and within budget and focusing on customer needs and satisfaction.
• Embrace the value of your co-workers. Teamwork, employee involvement and working together are still hallmarks of today's successful organizations. Recognize and use the differences among your co-workers who bring a diversity of ideas and talents to solving problems.
• Seek new skills and learning opportunities. Observe where your organization's business needs are taking it. What skills or knowledge will be valuable as the organization heads in new directions? Your employer may sponsor on-site training opportunities, pay for college courses or be willing to send you to seminars and conferences.
• Build and maintain your network. Seek a mentor. A professional network, both within and outside your organization, helps you keep current with the issues and people who make a difference in your business as well as positioning you as a true stakeholder in the eyes of others.
• Be adaptable and embrace change. Those who are flexible and willing to take on new business challenges are the workers who increase their value and stature within the organization.
• Keep personal problems out of the workplace. Employers can understand to a degree, but issues that interfere with your daily productivity can only label you as a problem employee. Seek ways to balance all aspects of your life. Take advantage of employee assistance programs when offered.
• Make your boss look good. Strive for open communication. Keep your boss in the loop on what you are doing and aware of any land mines that lie in wait. Develop your ability to anticipate your boss's needs.

Overall, the most important advice may be to stay positive, Beck said.

"Positive employees are valued for the tone they help set within the organization," he said. "Avoid whining and always offer potential solutions when presenting a problem to co-workers or managers. Help others to focus on the good things your organization is doing and how together you can work toward solutions."

By Nancy Prater, Web Editor

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Beck at lbeck@bsu.eduor (765) 285-2424.)