Survive Redundancy With PROMPT Action
Dr. Mike Warren, Director, Proteus Consultancy Limited
The distance doesn’t matter; it is only the first step that is difficult.
- Marie de Vichy-Chamrond marquise du Deffand, 1697-1780
The population at large tend to think that because employment is high, unemployment caused by redundancy must be low. However, a quote from a recent survey by the Office for National Statistics says: "The number of people in employment for the three months ending in December 2006 was 29.04 million. The redundancy rate for the three months to December 2006 was 5.2 per 1,000 employees."
This implies that, on average, the jobs of 151,000 employees were declared redundant in each of the three months at the end of last year - nearly half a million people seeking advice, help, a new job or a new career.
So how do you cope if the unthinkable happens to you?
Redundancy is like the common cold. It can strike anywhere at any time. It is no respecter of age, occupation or sex. But remember, with the right actions and the right attitudes it is only temporary.
Redundancy usually produces a SAD reaction:
S -- Shock: Denial that a problem exists, random non-directed action of the headless chicken variety, physical and mental anguish.
A -- Anger: How dare they do this to me?
D -- Depression: Bitterness sets in, problems seem totally insurmountable and inactivity and lethargy raise their heads.
The feelings these reactions generate need to be channelled into regaining control of the situation.
You must come up with a quick response in terms of both action and attitude.
First, you need PROMPT action:
P -- Plan your approach to the job market.
R -- Review where you are and where you want to get to. Decide on the direction in which to travel.
O -- Organize your time and effort. Keep a log of your activities: write things down: don't rely on memory: establish a routine.
M -- Market yourself. An essential element of the job search is the implementation of a well thought out marketing strategy.
P -- Prepare for interviews. Analyse what they are looking for and match the answers to what you can offer.
T -- Talk to other people. These activity concepts only work if you seek advice and guidance from others: this is perhaps the most critical element.
Secondly, you need a PROMPT attitude:
P -- Positive mental attitude is critical. Don't look for sympathy: it's easy to find but it's not what you want.
R -- Realistic assessment of the problems and professional advice as to the solutions available are vital.
O -- Optimism is essential. Recognise that pessimists rarely succeed: it isn't how many times they knock you down it's the number of times you get up that counts.
M -- Motivate yourself by concentrating on activity rather than on reflective self pity and remember "Action Cures Fear."
P -- Professionalism has to be your watchword in everything you do.
T -- Tenacious persistence and relentless pursuit of your future will pays dividends. Don't give up and, critically, never take rejection personally.
To get a new position you must sell yourself.
You need to know the market you are addressing, the needs of that market and above all you need to know your product (you), inside out, upside down and back to front and then you need to know how to deliver it in an acceptable package.
Treat the problems as an opportunity. Concentrate on where you want to be, not on where you are and remember, the easiest way to cross a minefield is to seek the advice of a professional guide!
Dr Mike Warren is a director and co-founder of Proteus Consultancy Limited, one of the largest Career Management organisations in the UK. For further information about any of the issues raised in this article, or to arrange a meeting with one of our consultants to discuss your own situation confidentially, please call 0870 760 6985 or go to www.proteusconsultancy.com.
Last Updated: 24/09/2007 - 3:50 PM
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