Setting the Scene

Sales are falling, share prices are dropping, senior management are having more 'meetings' and you notice that the quality of the coffee and biscuits in the staff room is lower.

Sadly, the good times have past and we are heading into a challenging phase for both employees and employers alike. These times can be worrying and sometimes downright scary unless you are aware of what is going on and are prepared with a plan to make it through.

In these times, employers are looking closely at all their staff
(with no exceptions) and determining who is worth keeping and of course, who isn’t.

Few people actually realise that this can be a perfect time to show just how valuable you are to your company and position yourself for a successful pay review when the economy starts to right itself.

The following framework provides a convenient overview and a good place to start

Self Assessment:

What is your current position description and what are the key objectives and goals? Which of these are you currently meeting and which still need some work?
What is the next logical step up for you and what is expected within this position at the next level up?
Are you actively promoting yourself when meeting one of these objectives or goals?

Ask your manager about your performance, what are their expectations of you and how well are you meeting them.

Action Plan:

Write down your findings from the Self Assessment phase; identify your strengths and more importantly your weaknesses.
Define a strategy to improve on each of these weaknesses and be specific about what you are trying to achieve.
Commit yourself to a timeline with clear start and end dates for each improvement.
Have measurable targets which you can clearly track your progress.
If possible consult with your manager/mentor to ensure that your efforts are aimed in the right direction

Be sure to reward yourself after every improvement no matter how small.


The Basics

For some reason people aim to only bring out their ‘best’ when it is absolutely necessary - DO YOUR BEST NOW

Good attendance and punctuality. Aim to regularly be the first to arrive at work and the last to leave. Don’t underestimate the power of this classic trait.

Manage your time effectively. A project that allows you to shine always has a timeline attached to it.

Develop a relationship with your Manager, and make sure he or she knows what you've been up to, particularly your achievements.

Practise self promotion. Make sure you get credit where credit is due however strike a healthy balance between this and attention grabbing or ‘brown nosing’

Increase your social profile. Office politics will often play a
role in who gets let go and who doesn't. Use and develop your people skills.

Be kind and helpful to your co-workers, Manager, and other
department’s people. Develop relationships with people you work with, and get to know people other than your immediate Manager who make decisions in the company.

When you do have to take sides, do so gracefully and take a
considered approach so as not to alienate anyone or burn any bridges.

Aim to attend company events and social occasions to increase your support network.
 

The Extras

Communicate to your Manager what your plans are.

If your Manager knows that you are looking for a pay rise or seeking a promotion then they will pay more attention to the work you are currently doing and extra work you take on.
Be open with your Manager about your career goals, and let decision makers know if you really want a particular job that becomes available.

Learn and take on work from the next level up.

If you continue doing work only for your current position then you truly deserve your current position. People, who know how to get noticed, know that if you want a pay rise or a promotion then you learn about the additional requirements and start doing some of those now.

Keep learning and developing your skills.

It's not enough to be great at your job; you also have to develop marketable skills that enhance your knowledge base and prepare you for more responsibility.
Rather than doing any random course, instead think about what programs will help you climb the corporate ladder. Sometimes specialized professional designations or licenses can be far more important to getting a promotion than degrees.

Develop your reputation and build a successful track record.

Identify projects that are within your skill set and complete them on time and within budget. Actively bring together the right teams and lead them to accomplish goals by staying on target and keeping everyone in the loop.
Volunteer to be part of teams in other departments even if just in an advisory capacity and report the results of this work to your Manager in order to gain visibility.

Promotions and pay rises are almost always given to those who have proven their ability to lead.

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