How to avoid getting laid off

Don't be emotionally unattractive.   

That's right, be part of the solution (recovery) instead of identifying with the problem (recession).  If you think that layoffs are corporate roulette, where anyone can get whacked -- you are dead wrong.  Layoffs are done by emotional people, not computers. They are often like a prison riot on steriods: All debts get settled. 

When you whine, wring your hands and commiserate about how bad things are, you are raising your hand as if to say, "pick me for the next big layoff!"

Believe it or not, the #1 factor influencing layoffs is your attitude/vibe/outlook.  There is not, as of yet, good behavioral data on this round of layoffs, but the last recession offers some great insight.  In 2003, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas surveyed companies that underwent massive reductions in force.  Based on feedback from managers and executives, the study concluded that "people that are not liked by someone in authority are always the first to go when business conditions become unfavorable. It's not enough to do a good job. You have to find ways to incorporate your likeability factors in the eyes of your employer." 

This doesn't mean that you should play golf with your boss or bring her an apple on Monday.  It's harder than that over time.  In my book, The Likeability Factor, I defined likeability as "the ability to consistently create positive emotional experiences."  When you make others feel good, they typically reciprocate by liking you.  

These days are trying.  You company may be changing some rules at work to cut corners or squeeze out incremental productivity.  DO NOT react selfishly to these changes.  "What about me?" will get you canned quick and slow.  If you don't like your job, then quit.  If you like it, pick a good attitude. 

Don't be Chicken Little, announcing all the bad news.  Take your smile to work, especially to co-workers.  When you get criticism, take it like an adult.  All of these responses will keep you off 'the list' when it comes time to trim back the forces at work (should a bear market resume.) 

To measure your current L Factor, take this assessment (or have someone fill out the assessment on you):  The L Factor Assessment. 

Comments

[Chris Young]

Great post, Tim! I have shared your post with my readers in my weekly Rainmaker 'Fab Five' blog picks of the week (found here: http://www.maximizepossibility.com/employee_retention/2009/05/the-rainmaker-fab-five-blog-picks-of-the-week-3.html) so they can better their chances of keeping their jobs.

Be well, Tim!

[Tim]

Hi Tim:

I enjoyed your post and agree with you...that being said, I always brought in a very positive attitude to work, never complained (at least at work), was very professional, well-respected, etc. I think I was well liked, but wasn't popular.

I was laid off in late March and it could have been something mentioned in your post, but I have a feeling that some boss' decisions are more complex. At some point, we can be the best version of ourselves, but it may not be enough to save our jobs.

[David Rendall]

My sister-in-law just called the other day. She told me that her boss sat her down and told her that he had to lay some people off. However, she wasn't going to lose her job. He explained that he wanted to keep her because of her positive and upbeat attitude. Her experience seems to confirm the point you made in your post.

[Ko Po Hui]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the self-assessment test I put up, it's a good way to gauge one's likability

[Joe Lavelle]

Hi Tim

Wow! I think you are correct, but it takes real courage to publicly state "the #1 factor influencing layoffs is your attitude". I have been an executive at two different companies during economic downturns and my observations support your premise. However, both companies developed strategies to force rank the staff to create and for the most part support the impression that a fair process determined who had to be on "the list".

In retrospect in both cases, being on "the list" was a better outcome for most people because they moved on to better companies with more career opportunities. Additionally, many of those that were carrying bad attitudes, improved their attitudes at their new employers.

I regularly coach and speak on this exact topic, overcoming the victim mentality, as a means to accelerating careers. Additionally, I have written a chapter about this in my upcoming book Act As If It Were Impossible to Fail , which by the way Tim, I was inspired to write after reading Love is the Killer App.

I applaud you for your great and frank post!

Best wishes from a longtime lovecat! Joe Lavelle