Question: Do you have a guideline to improve my chances against layoff? I like my job and I like my company. I want to stay.

No, I don’t have a guideline against lay-off. Even the best employees get laid off. However, your good attitude towards your job and your company is half of what you must have.  Managers these days are smart. They readily sense employee attitude. Keep it up. Were it not for your attitude, given today’s economy, you would have been laid off months ago.

So take advantage of it. Talk to your manager and ask how you can increase your value to the company. Very few ask this question because it sounds corny. But for employees who obviously have good attitude, managers are just waiting to be asked. But be smart. Ask for 3 things you could do, not just one. Then select the one that will benefit you even if you are laid off anyway.

Ray Colorado
PinoyTexas.com
June 20, 2001