Focus on your strengths and stay positive in times of uncertainty.

Trisha Carter is owner of Trans Cultural Careers and an organisational psychologist. In this article she tells us how to continue to achieve in your current position.

Have the latest job figures left you feeling nervous? Do you think your position is less secure than it used to be? Is restructuring going on around you in your organisation? 

Don’t panic! Now is not the time to give in to fear and nervousness. Now is the time to perform well -to focus on your strengths and achievements - and to build positive networks among your colleagues and clients. 

This is a good time to personally review the projects and programs you have been involved with in this role. Note what you have done well, the results achieved and the Key Performance Indicators you have met. What impact have you had on sales levels, profit, customer satisfaction, market share or whatever figures are appropriate for your role? What changes have you introduced? How have you impacted on the team you are working with? 

Recognising these achievements will enable you to work confidently and you are more likely to be viewed positively by management or a review team. Having those achievements top of mind will enable you to discuss them confidently if the need arises and will enable your confidence to be fixed on you rather than the organisation or the circumstances around you. 

Manage those around you with sensitivity. Recognise that others may be feeling stress and insecurity so reassure as much as you can. Use humour when appropriate to relieve stress and encourage co-workers or staff that need help to talk with an Employee Assistance Program if one is available. Be empathetic of the family or personal situations that may be adding to your employees or co-workers stress levels. 

Stay in touch with your networks both within and outside of the organisation. Using social networks such as facebook or LinkedIn will enable you to have a contacts list located externally to the organisation to assist with the challenge of looking for a new job if that situation arises. Take those networks beyond the virtual by suggesting lunch or after work drinks to catch up and renew or strengthen friendships. Be open to helping others when they need it. The most powerful networks are those which are mutually beneficial – help is given both ways - and they are regular networks - not just called on in times of need. 

Update your resume if you are unsure of the stability of your position.

If the writing is on the wall it’s time to update your resume. Use the facts and figures from those achievements that you reviewed to demonstrate the strengths and outcomes you can demonstrate. If you are offered outplacement services take advantage of everything that is available from personal career or financial consultations to workshops on resumes, interviewing skills or networking as well as office or working facilities. These have been provided for your benefit so get all the value you can from the services. 

Manage your stress. Recognise what are the warning signs for you that you are experiencing stress. They may be physical such as tension in your neck, jaw, or chest or indigestion, headaches or stomach upsets. Or they may be mental signs such as losing concentration, insomnia, irritability or emotional responses such as weeping, anger or withdrawal. Recognise your coping mechanisms – what are the things that you do to make you feel better in stressful situations? Perhaps you find some form of exercise relieves your stress; or a form of relaxation such as meditation or music; or social supports such as talking with good friends or a counsellor. Watch for the things you may do that make you feel better in the short term but are not so helpful long term or in excess such as alcohol or cigarettes. 

Whatever the employment situation is you are more than just your job so focus broadly on your whole life and remember that in time this situation will pass!