Your Q and Our A

An opportunity for readers to bring specific issues to our attention and for us to share our recommendations.


"Dear George..."

"I am thirty-five years old. I have worked in the same industry and for the same company since I graduated from college.

There are alot of rumors at my company, where I work in marketing at the corporate headquarters, about outsourcing of jobs and deep job cuts across the board. I have always received good performance ratings and raises but my boss is not well regarded by the top leadership. Additionally, I am nervous that if I go over his head with ideas or recommendations, that it will jeopardize my job.

What do you recommend that I do?"

Sandy M.
New York City, NY


Dear Sandy,

Your situation is more common than you might realize.

First, make sure you have an updated, top-notch resume. Keep it on your home computer, not the one at work.

Secondly, network like crazy OUTSIDE of your company. Join professional groups - if you do not already belong. Go to at least a couple of meetings per month with different professional groups. This will help you meet people outside of your company in your field. And remember, offer to help others, do not just ask them for help. Bring business cards too but write your personal (non-business) e-mail address on the back of them.

A few points about outsourcing, pending layoffs and your boss:

- If your company is going to cut, you may be impacted no matter how well regarded you are BUT do all you can to stand in the top 25% of the company based on performance. This can only help you. To that end, focus on meeting and exceeding ALL of your objectives.

- Network within your company. Volunteer for business-related committees, task forces and other cross-functional and cross-organizational teams to make sure you are known outside of your work group. Make sure people do not view you as a clone of your "not well regarded" boss.

Finally, if you have a great idea, do not limit sharing it with your boss. Find ways to communicate your business ideas beyond your "chain of command". Make sure you do it in such a way that your boss does not feel "blind-sided". But at the end of the day remember, "if it is going to be, it is up to me".

George