Gaining Ground in 2009

Some people react to turmoil by climbing into a hole and keeping their heads as low as they possibly can. That may seem like a good strategy for self-preservation, but it really is a bad idea. Those who are invisible are expendable. Those who have the courage to stand up and be part of the solution are seen as the go-to players who will save the day.

This is no time to blend in. It is a time to reach inside yourself and decide if you are bold enough to stand up and make a difference. If you can’t lead, then be one hell of a follower, working hard to bolster your leader’s success. But, don’t limit yourself. This is such a great time to define your potential by taking risks, brainstorming solutions and delivering with follow-through.

Times have gotten tougher, but so have we. Ten years from now, you will be able to look back on these days and see people you know who emerged with incredible success because they stepped up and made the significant contributions that helped turn things around. This is your greatest moment to see how you can be one of the standout people who pitched in and made a difference.

There are chain-of-command and office political dynamics that may interfere with your ability to gain position to make change, but figure those things out. Make the connections you need to make by being visible, volunteering for extra assignments, and being a positive force with ideas and energy.

First, you have to stop focusing on how difficult everything is, about how much times have changed and about how bad it is out there. This is your moment. This is your greatest opportunity to step forward and demonstrate what you are made of. Your brilliance is needed, so figure out what you have to offer and position yourself to offer it.

Gaining Ground While Others Lose Hold

Have you made a conscious decision to get in front of these challenges and be a player?

What are your greatest strengths? What can you contribute?
Are you viewed as a “go-to” person? If so, are you delivering the goods? If not, what do you need to change?
If you were the big boss, what would you change to make the company more successful during tough times?
How can you stretch beyond your defined role to take an active role in the solutions process?
Do you have access to the people who can help you implement some of the ideas you have?
If not, how will you expand your network to include those people?
How can you best communicate your thoughts and ideas without being shut down?
Are you working hard enough?