From my human resources background and 30 years as a career coach and strategist, I have learned that often those who survive hard times are inevitably those who anticipate and feel they are next in line to be laid off. I think the “why” of that is fairly simple. If you regularly assume you’ll be let go, the more likely you’ll be thinking about new opportunities – either within your company or externally. Then, when changes occur, you’re prepared for next steps.

Adopting a survivor mentality is not defeatist; rather, it will serve you well as part of your ongoing career management strategy. After all, you are CEO of your career.

Never suppose you’ll be safe at work.

Over the years, I’ve seen people who, seemingly effortlessly, land on their feet time and again. Many of these folks have been clients and as such, I’ve noted what many others did not. I’ve witnessed the hard work, time, preparation and sweat equity these people have invested. Take for example, my client, Trina. She worked as a business analyst for a large manufacturer, and saw budgets being cut in her department. Her colleagues wore blinders, unaware of any potential, impending change. Trina, on the other hand, spent most of her free time talking to people in other parts of the company, networking and discovering where other internal openings existed. She landed a new job in another department just in time. Two-thirds of her former team co-workers were laid off.

Who stays?

Recently the retailer Target, headquartered in my city, had some well-publicized layoffs at its corporate offices. Before they were announced, it was assumed that the employees who would most likely get pink slips, would be those there the shortest amount of time, or those weaker performers. It did not turn out that way.

The idea that top performers or “good people” dodge the bullet is false. Today’s companies are striving to make numbers, clean house, reorganize and restructure – to eliminate mistakes and build on successes.

Doing business often means reduction in workforce and people out the door. It can be a shock for those top performers who felt safe. High-potential folks quite frankly, can reel from the shock for months. It’s not conducive to starting a strong job search campaign.

How do you think like a survivor?

Listen and pay attention. If you’re currently employed, listen to the water-cooler talk; to what the administrative support and ancillary staff are saying. Pick up on clues from your colleagues or supervisors. Grasp obscure messages; read between the lines.

Marge heard an enlightening tidbit from the young woman who brought mail each morning. The woman told Marge that the address for her employer was set to change in three weeks. The woman shared more information freely, into discussion around the company’s relocation within the same city.

Marge checked out the building with the address – three times smaller than the current. She inferred that there was going to a reduction in force; and she was right. When her layoff notice came nearly two months later, Marge was ready. She had already revised her resume and LinkedIn profile, and had started a discreet job search.

The benefits of a plan.

If you have a hint of change on the horizon, create a plan of action. Even if there is nothing to indicate that change, it serves you well to proactively have a Plan B. Work with “what if” scenarios. If your business unit is moved overseas, where would you look for a new job?

If your employer were acquired and merged with another company, what functions would be kept? Elements of your plan might include revising your resume and LinkedIn profile, reconnecting with your network, researching industries and companies, and practicing your interviewing skills. Think like a project manager; set goals with timelines, and stick to them.

I’m not telling you to be paranoid! If nothing happens and you deliriously remain where you’re at, great! But if something happens, you’re ready. Nothing happens in your workplace; it’s still there, and so are you. The gold nugget is that in your preparation, you stumbled into a window of opportunity with a new software startup when you reached out to Bill at your daughter’ soccer practice. Or in the case of my client, Jake, his proactive search led him in an entire new career direction from paralegal to mediator. He discovered his love for the latter while still employed. And he was able to get the training he needed before making the transition.

Think “oh no” scenario.

One of my favorite questions is, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Suppose the worst occurs regarding where this post started. You’re laid off. Well, if the first part of this post resonated with you, you will have proactively planned for the situation. The news may initially jolt you, but it will not be a total shock, because you did your own counter intelligence work. You’re ready. You have a plan of action and communications. You’re ready to move forward. Your colleagues, who are now in reactive mode, may not be as fortunate. You are one step ahead of everyone else, because you kept a survivor mentality.

How do you think or model “survivor” behavior in your workplace? I’d love to hear from you.

Photo: Craig