| May 19, 2012 | 8 users online |
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CAREER SCOPE Article for Sunday, December 22, 1996 from The JobBank WHICH COMPANIES WILL SURVIVE? ARE YOU ON A SINKING SHIP? Your career is your responsibility. Even if you got into what you are doing because your parents wanted you to do it, you have a responsibility to ensure that you will be able to pay your bills and have some amount of stability in your work life. Many people’s lives were profoundly affected in 1996, over 10,000 in fact, they were made redundant. Many had never considered that this could happen to them and were totally unprepared. If you want to reduce the odds of this happening to you, here are some tips to guide you through the murky waters and dangerous currents that currently exist on the Jamaican industrial seas. The Company Of Tomorrow Will Be Lean, Mean And Flat The world is changing rapidly around us, and workplaces in Jamaica are no different. There is no question about the type of companies which survive. Lean - no fat, efficient and productive. Mean - tough enough to fend off competition and dominate their market. Flat - fewer levels of management Spotting Leaks How is one to spot the leaks early enough to avoid going down with the ship? Here are some of the telltale signs to watch for. 1. How is the value of the stock doing? Though in the Jamaican situation, the stock market is not the absolute litmus test. 2. What is being said in the news? Are they frequently having to deny allegations of pending closures and redundancies? 3. Is it hiring, firing, closing offices? These are clear signs of a company’s state of financial health. 4. Are they developing new products? Without new products or modifications to existing ones, your company is closing the door on its own growth and development and eventual survival. 5. Are senior people leaving? If they are, have you thought to ask why? Yes, you may be next in line for their job, but how long will you have it, and will you have the unfortunate task of making decisions on whom to make redundant? 6. Have there been management shake-ups? 7. When you ask managers and supervisors 'what’s going on?' Do they answer 'how should I know?' This is NOT a good sign. It often indicates that they too are uncertain and worried. 8. Is training being cut back? This is a sure sign of a company in recession. 9. Is there a negative vibe in the place? This may be because everyone is uncertain and uneasy about what it happening. Is there a lot of unconfirmed speculation on the office and community grapevine? 10. Is compensation based on performance? If non-performers are being paid better than performers, it’s only a matter of time. Get A Life Jacket What’s your score? If you think the company is going to sink - save yourself. That’s why rats have been able to survive as well as they have. Self preservation is your primary obligation to yourself and to your dependents, if you have any. The First Persons Off The Ship Get The Life Boat Those who heed the warning signs early are able to make carefully thought out decisions and to plan ahead for various eventualities. Those who wait for the last minute often panic and find themselves in desperate situations. Like the biblical virgins waiting for the bridegroom, make sure your lamps are trimmed and that you have enough oil. If You Have A Good Job with A Good Company, Consolidate Your Position Be outstanding in your performance 1. Continuously expand your competence 2. Identify ways to improve your job - put ideas forward 3. Earn a reputation for smart and hard work 4. Be a good team player IF YOU LOSE YOUR JOB 1. Think positively - 2. Don’t call it fired - 'unpaid leave to refocus my life' 3. Don’t call it redundant - 'on sabbatical to develop new skills' 4. Getting a job does not depend on what you want, But what the employer wants 5. Research what employers need before you apply 6. Tailor your resume and cover letter for the specific job 7. New Work Order companies want people with a wide range of skills, a track record of achievements & accomplishments and committed to continuous education
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