Dear Friend,
The headlines in the news today tell us that the recession might be over … while at the same time warning us that unemployment will continue to rise for some months to come. You may find yourself newly unemployed, or afraid that your job will be the next one eliminated. I have an encouraging message for you. Here are six solid strategies to make you indispensible to your current employer, or irresistible to a new one!
1. Work as if you’re working for God Himself—because you are. The Apostle Paul says it this way, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23, 24). Make sure your department is profitable. More importantly, be the reason your department is profitable. Be innovative, creative, take initiative, and start thinking like a CEO. Make your company’s bottom line your personal priority.
2. Don’t hide your light under a bushel. There are times and places for modesty—but a workplace under pressure isn’t one of them. Maintain a high profile. Volunteer for committees; speak up in meetings. Be vocal, be assertive, show initiative—but whatever you do, don’t lay low.
3. Gain a reputation for being a diligent, productive worker. The words of Jesus put an exclamation point on this: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
4. Be a good steward. Continually update the skills that make you in demand, such as sales and negotiation. Where there is a gap in your organization, develop your skills to fill it. There are two great takeaways from the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30): first, to whom much is given, much is required; and second, if you are faithful with what you have, more will be given to you!
5. Have a great attitude. When two people of comparable skill are in the running for a job or promotion, the triumphant party will almost always be the one with the best attitude. People with a great attitude are a joy to work with. So have a great attitude; be a winner, not a whiner. And you have a secret weapon to give you the winning edge in attitude: it’s the joy of the Lord that the Holy Spirit gives (Galatians 5:22, 23)—and your circumstances can’t take away.
6. Be eager to support your superiors by taking on extra projects. When a new project is given, be enthusiastic about it. As the Scriptures say, if they ask you to go one mile, go two (Matthew 5:41)! Even if you are already overloaded and know that it is too much work for you, at least be positive about it. Remember, the more crises you are able to resolve for your employer, the more indispensible you become.
Enthusiastically,
Peter and Tamara Lowe
