How To Become Indispensable In The Current Crisis?

We’ve never been in a time such as this. Who would have thought, that the whole world could grind to such an abrupt halt? Suddenly, here we are. Assessing everything from work-life balance to our relationships and even our careers. But this is the moment. It's time for you to shine like never before!

When Seema with Love re-opened on the 1st of May at Westfield Chermside, we heard firsthand from our ‘valued family’ (our customers), how many had been made redundant. Some were also uncertain whether their jobs would still exist after the current ‘lockdown’.

One night, as I sat down sharing the sad stories with Chris (who is also a coach to CEOs), he said something which I found both encouraging and interesting. You see, Chris has a unique vantage point to the current job crisis, having spent considerable time in the past few years coaching Ceos, entrepreneurs and successful business owners.

Chris suggested while there certainly may be uncertainty when it came to jobs, these were also great times for some amazing opportunities. He said it was the best time to ‘pivot’ and ‘position’ in order for someone to become more attractive to either their current or future employers.

So I asked him to share some of his insight with our Seema with Love family.
I believe these strategies which Chris will share, will not only help you hold onto your current position, but they also have the potential to make you more marketable if you’re hunting for a new job.

Are You Ready?

Here we go...

A. How To Shine At Your Current Job?

1. Connect with Your Boss or Manager

Strengthen your relationship with your boss, team leader or manager. Communicate openly and frequently. Maximize one-on-one time and try to adapt to their work style.


Why?  During the current trying times, everyone is under pressure to help turn things around for the business or organisation. You want to be the one who is seen to be a part of the 'turnaround team'. Helping in this way will add value to your position in the business and or organisation. 

2. Focus on Shared Goals

Make your employer or team leader's priorities your own. Helping them to succeed usually benefits you too.
 

3. Present Proposals and Share Your Ideas 

Think creatively and take worthwhile risks. Everyone loves new and creative ways to promote a business or organisation. You can add value too. 
Prepare practical and specific suggestions on how to increase quality and reduce expenses.
They'll love you for it.

4. Welcome Feedback

Ask your boss, team leader and even colleagues for input about your performance.
Listen with an open mind and use their suggestions to make positive changes in the way you do your job. Thank them for their support and let them know they’ve made a difference.
 Humility always helps you rise higher and is great for team building. 

5. Leverage Your Strengths

Try to structure your job in a way that allows you to focus on the things you love and do well. You’ll probably accomplish more with less effort.
 Working to your strengths will always help you excel.

6. Keep Your Word.

This is now more important than ever. Prove that you’re reliable.
Follow through on your commitments, especially when they affect the rest of your team.
 It's super important that you are seen as someone others can depend on.

7. Exceed Expectations.

Go beyond your job description.
Take on additional assignments.
Put your heart into your work and try to deliver the highest quality.
 You're part of a team. When you shine so does your team.

8. Be Helpful 

Little acts of kindness go a long way. Offer encouragement and assistance to coworkers who are under pressure.
You’ll create alliances that may be useful in the future, and you’ll probably enjoy your job more.

B. Searching for a New Job?

1.Network Safely

Physical distancing changes the way we network, but the intent remains the same. Reach out to current contacts and discover new ones through video calls and virtual events.
 Networking never goes away with social distancing, you just want to learn to be more innovative.

2. Continue Learning

Add to your knowledge and skills.
Read books, chat with experts, and sign up for online courses.
Shop around for bargains as many companies are offering free or discounted programs during these challenging times.


3. Update Your Resume

Imagine trying to describe your achievements over the past few years while you’re dealing with the stress of being laid off. Be proactive. Keep track of significant events worth adding to your resume.
 There's never a better time to do this.

4. Build a Portfolio 

Showing is more effective than telling.
Display samples of your work online or with other media.
 It's time to become marketable. You're pretty amazing, right? It's time for you to let others know.

5. Raise your Visibility

Promote yourself appropriately within your workplace and beyond.
Publish articles and reports. Volunteer for high profile projects and community service work.
 You don't want to be the best-kept secret.

6. Consider the idea of Changing Careers

This might be a big one and perhaps an unwelcomed situation. It's also an opportunity to grow and prosper. It’s natural for different industries to rise and fall.
You may want to focus on skills that will help you move into sectors like e-commerce and health care.


7.Think Positive

The current pandemic will pass. An upbeat attitude makes you more likely to reach your career goals. Manage your stress levels and learn to unwind by doing what makes you happy. When you are relaxed, you are naturally more positive.

Looking for ideas to de-stress and relax? Love lighting a nice candle and spending quality time with a loved one? We've got just the right soy candle for you. At Seema with Love our handmade, long burning, non-toxic soy candles are renowned for helping people unwind and relax. We have over 40 different gorgeous scents.

Look, there never has been a better time than this to think about your purpose in life and to align your actions with your values. COVID19 made us all stop in our tracks. But as human beings we are resilient and we will be victorious against this too.

Unexpected events can create fresh opportunities even as they disrupt our old plans. With what we've shared with you today, prepare to succeed in the modern workplace by making yourself more valuable to your current employer and more attractive to other companies that are hiring.

You've got this!

You are Loved

Seema and Chris