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Marsha Haygood, Career Coach: How To Handle Workplace Shakeups

Ask Marsha, Career Coach: How To Cope With Major Shakeups At Work
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The department I work in is constantly in flux, there has been quite a bit of turnover in the last year and positions have been shifted around. How do I move forward with my own career goals in such a tentative work environment?

MAKE A DECISION

The first thing is deciding what it is that you want. Do you want to be promoted within your current department/company? Are you looking only for more money or is your goal to take on additional responsibilities? Are you ready for the changes that you are looking for? Have you demonstrated that you can and will rise to the challenges of the new role? It’s a soul-searching time and conducting this self-audit can be difficult but imperative to your growth.

You may have been working hard, but hard work alone does not make you unique. Many of us grew up thinking that if we put our heads down and work hard, we would be recognized. However, there are other things that must be done to be recognized and if you are not strategic or have a plan that goes along with your hard work, you will get stumped every time. Putting your head down also means that you are missing things that are going on around you. Just working hard doing your job could mean that you are too tired to take those necessary steps to help you move ahead. If you are only working hard at your tasks with no time for other things, people may perceive you as one-dimensional. It is important to be viewed not only as a hard worker, but as an interesting person as well.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE

As we all know, change is inevitable. But change does not have to be negative. It can be the gateway to incredible opportunities if you are well prepared.

The good news is that when a company is undergoing shifts, there is often an opportunity for you to take on additional assignments and show what you can do. Make those changes work in your favor. You just have to position yourself for the change rather than fight it.

All companies are undergoing some transition. But if you believe that your current work environment is just too much for you to handle, prepare before you leap. Think about the type of job, industry and work environment you work best in. Research companies you would like to work for and make efforts to connect with employees of those companies to learn more about the company culture and work environments. Chances are, these companies are also undergoing some change. Determine what the company values and how you can best demonstrate what you have to offer.

In your current company, you might try the same approach. What do you have to offer that would be of value during this time of change?

You can be angry and negative because of the changes or you can be flexible and show what you have to offer. Often times, your attitude will determine your altitude ... it's your choice.

Pay attention to who has been hired or promoted during this time of flux. Looking at what these employees have brought to the table (experience, attitude, relationships, etc.) will give you insight into what the company values.
The key to moving forward with your own career goals in any work environment is to be flexible, be strategic, know what you have to offer, and build relationships that will help you now and in the future.

Marsha Haygood, Author, Life Strategist, Empowerment Coach & Founder of StepWise Associates LLC, a full-service Career and Personal Development consulting firm.

Got a question? Tell us in the comments section below.

Before You Go

9 Ways To Be Happier In Your Career
Be Self Aware(01 of09)
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Take some quiet time to reflect upon what you value, what interests you, how your personality plays a role in your career and inventory your competencies and strengths. Whether you want a new career beginning or a slight makeover in your current role, you owe it to yourself to really consider what makes you tick and what motivates you. Identifying your career passion starts with baby steps since you need to know what you really want before you go looking for it. (credit:Alamy)
Say It Out Loud(02 of09)
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It takes courage to speak your hopes, dreams and goals out loud. Start by sharing these ideas with your circle of trust, and then share with others in your larger community. By saying them out loud, your goals become real and often people come forward to help you on your journey. I have seen this happen time and time again and make it a practice to share my goals with others. Announce it to the universe and you just may be surprised about what comes back to help you achieve your goals. (credit:Alamy)
Write It Down(03 of09)
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Research shows that we are more likely to act on our goals if we write them down. Carry a journal or use the notes feature on your smart phone since inspiration can strike when you least expect it. Write down your vision and consider adding images or photos that further illustrate your goals. You can always change the plan but the journal or vision board process is a creative way to explore the possibilities of your career journey. (credit:Alamy)
Develop Your Story(04 of09)
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Once you have clarity about what you want you need to act as your own best self advocate. Develop a story that you can share with others about what you do well and what kinds of opportunities appeal to you. Try not to focus on job titles but think about skill sets and experiences that distinguish you. Others in your network may have unique ideas about how you can put your skills to work and your career development story will empower them to help you more effectively. (credit:Alamy)
Expand Your Community(05 of09)
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The hidden job market represents over 80 percent of opportunities that will never be posted. Get out from behind your computer and meet people. Create a personal business card and be willing to talk to people you already know and expand your network to grow beyond your comfort zone. (credit:Alamy)
Don't Put The Resume Cart Before The Networking Horse(06 of09)
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Many job seekers spend most of their time polishing and peddling their resume and not enough time building professional relationships. The resume is a very important tool and you should have one that reflects your strengths and employability but if you spend all of your time applying for jobs you are missing out on a lot. Pursue job shadowing opportunities and informational interviews (no matter what your experience level) since this gets you in front of people in-the-know in your industry. Most jobs posted online get thousands of hits for every position. You can distinguish yourself from the competition by being seen in-person and not just via your resume. (credit:Alamy)
Tap Your Resource Team(07 of09)
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Assemble your own personal Board of Directors for support, accountability, and career wisdom & expertise. If you empower others to help you they will -- and if you are a selfless networker willing to pay-it-forward this will take you far. Good career karma goes a long way, so consider how you can help others as you seek their counsel. Remember to steward and thank the people on your Board and in your network. A handwritten thank you note still goes a very long way! (credit:Alamy)
Reward Yourself for Small Accomplishments(08 of09)
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The career journey is long and arduous so reward yourself for the small steps you take to move forward. Pat yourself on the back and be proud of every little move towards the end goal. You deserve it! (credit:Alamy)
Be Healthy And Resilient(09 of09)
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One of the top transferable skills employers seek is resilience. In this economy lay-offs have been rampant but showing your future boss that you are unsinkable and ready for a new challenge is a marketable quality and an inspiration to others. The job market is stressful enough so be good to your body and eat well and get the amount of sleep you need to be at your best. Exercise never hurts either and can help relieve stress and promote the relaxation your mind needs to function well. (credit:Alamy)
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