The Death of Work-Life Balance - 10 Ways to Recession Proof Your Job In A Down Economy
Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you have heard the news. We are in a recession. This is an economic downturn like no other. Buckle up. Get ready. The "ride" is just starting.
The evidence is everywhere. As with all economic cycles, the news hits first and the impacts come later - in days, weeks, and months.
Please allow me a moment to be extremely direct. The days of "work life balance" are OVER. The days of coming to work and adding questionable value... OVER. The days of no one really knowing what you do... OVER. The days of building a wonderful relationship with your boss and you having all of the power... OVER.
Work-life balance? Dead? Come on, Chris.
The work life balance party is over.
We are going to see seismic shifts in perspective and power in the work place. This economic downturn is going to reshape the modern work environment. The party is OVER.
Doubtful? Read the news. Do the math. Come back when you have faced reality.
Your job performance will count for or against you. What you do right now matters, more than ever.
In the old days, everyone did a "good job". In today's economy, if your job performance is not knocking it "out of the park", your performance will scream "mediocrity" and the reward may be more time with the family.
You might be saying, "Yes the economy is down, but it is not going to impact my industry."
My response would be - "Get real and be prepared." No industry is going to escape the wrath of the current economic storm.
Work-life balance? That is a relic of the past in my opinion. If you do not agree, that is your right and your risk. Better "safe than sorry" would be my strategic recommendation. I do not gamble.
The biggest questions you must ask yourself right now are the following.
- Am I realistic about the economy?
- Am I realistic about my contributions and value to my organization?
- Am I adding more value than I am costing my organization?
- Other than my boss, does the leadership/management team know of my contributions?
What you do is up to you. Perhaps this is your "wakeup call". Following are ten ways to improve your existing situation.
- Review your Personal Brand. When I say the word, "Ferrari", what do you think of? Most people think, "fast" and "red". Although yellow Ferraris are becoming more popular. When your name is mentioned, what comes to mind of those you work for and with? Is your "personal brand" one of low performance? Are you known for being cozy with the boss? Are you known as a "clock watcher"? Is your negative attitude driving others crazy? Review how others perceive you and get your actions in alignment with how you want others to view you.
- Get REAL - Do you want your job or not? Decide if you do. Your actions speak "louder than words". Get in the game or wait for the pink slip.
- Stop Performance "Posing" - You might think you are a high performer because you are good buddies with your boss. You might be a really nice person. If/when your boss gets replaced, the only thing keeping you alive will be your job performance. Are you performing? The answer is a simple "yes/no". If you are confused, ask someone who will tell you the truth. In today's economy, you must know the truth.
- Be Accountable - The buck does stop with you. Ask yourself power questions like, "What can I do to be of service?" or "How can I add more value?" Practicing Personal Accountability will improve your attitude and your personal brand in any economy - especially right now. Get the book, QBQ - the Question Behind the Question.
- Be Valuable - Identify the five key elements that directly contribute to success in your job performance and do them well. Make a "What Matters Most List" - remind yourself daily of what is on it. If you are not crystal clear what matters most in your job performance, then consult with your boss. Ask your boss what the most valuable contributions are every few weeks. Stay on top of this important list. Exceed expectations consistently.
- Make a "Stop Doing List" - Make a list of all of the things you do in a given week. Cross-match that list to your "What Matters Most List". Circle what matters most. What is left is your "Stop Doing List". Pin it up in a noticeable area. Review frequently. More importantly - stop doing what is not adding value to your future and your organization's performance.
- Do not make your boss look stupid or inept. If your boss is going in to do battle for you, it had better be good. The only thing that will be "good" is your job performance. If you are performance posing (see point number two), you and your boss can potentially kiss your careers good bye.
- Stop the Clock Watching. Players do not watch the clock. Performance posers come and go and put in a perfect 40 hours - just about down to the minute. Are you a clock watcher? Do you just put in your forty hours? If so, you are expendable. Sorry. It is true. Put in your time. Your boss will notice. Their boss will notice. Your paycheck will notice (if not immediately - eventually). Work-life balance? If you are a clock-watcher in a down economy, you may get more work-life balance than you have ever wanted. Better to be safe rather than sorry. Put in your time and then some. Be the first one in and the last one out for the day - EVERY DAY.
- Stay Positive - Positive people perform better than negative people. No one wants to work with a negative person. Stay focused on what you can do. Focus on the good things going on. Focus on your contributions. Focus on what you can do to improve.
- Make sure the right people know about your performance. If you are working hard - you need your leadership/management team to know that you are. Yes, your boss should know. But the reality is your boss is just as vulnerable as you are. Caution! If you are posing... If you really are not performing, any attention to yourself could lead to the results you were not hoping for.
What if I am wrong? I am not wrong. The worst case is you will be a job performance "freak of nature" with job offers galore. You will rise to the top if you love what you do and are performing and exceeding expectations consistently.
Now Go Maximize Possibility
Other blog posts you may be interested in:
- Climb, Camp, or Quit - You Decide
- How Poorly Fit Employees Can Pose as Top Performers
- Four Drivers of Passion for One's Job
- Does Your Personal Brand Say What you Want it to Say?
- Employee Coaching Tip - Effective Time Management
- The Recession is Exposing your Business Strategy Weaknesses - The Time to Act is Now!
- Positive Mindset - Keep Focused on What You Can Do
Chris Young helps organizations Maximize Possibility through talent management, cultural transformation, and strategic intervention. Bring Chris in today!
