Staying in control in uncertain times
 BY C. MITCHELL CARNELL JR.
Special to The Post and Courier Monday, June 2, 2003

Downsizings, layoffs, mergers, the disappearance of health benefits, the events of 9-11, the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq have caused workplace stress to reach an all-time high.

The reality is that there is no security in the work place. Even the traditional safe havens such as education and government have vanished. What can you do to gain control over your own destiny?

First, realize that there is no security outside yourself. You must take stock of yourself. What are your skills? How marketable are they? Have you kept pace with today's demands?

Second, make yourself the expert in your best area in your workplace. Be the "go-to" person for advice on certain procedures or operations. Read, take short courses, practice, volunteer, but do whatever it takes to become recognized as the authority.

I witnessed this in operation as a small boy in a small town. This was before words such as segregation or integration entered our vocabulary.

There was a shoeshine shop at the edge of the business district that on Fridays and Saturdays was the busiest place in town. It was presided over by a large black man named Roosevelt. Roosevelt could make a shoeshine cloth sing. Although there were several other employees, Roosevelt stole the show. When Roosevelt shined your shoes, they looked great and you left feeling good. The wealthiest, most influential men in town wanted their shoes shined by him. Even in those days, he was treated with respect.

Third, polish your communication skills, especially your listening skills. Learning to listen is the most important skill you can develop because customers, supervisors and potential employers will tell you what they want or need, and you must be receptive.

Fourth, stay alert to the opportunities that are around you. I am appalled at the number of people who don't listen to the news or keep abreast of their own profession. Such behaviors constitute professional suicide.

Fifth, be action oriented. You be the one who decides when it's time to move on. If you have kept yourself marketable, you will be ready even in difficult times.