10 tips to avoid getting fired /Features
By Sanjeev Sinha, ECONOMICTIMES.COM
Like they say, for every accident that occurs, there would have been 99 near misses. "Firing an employee is similar to that. Imagine how an organization would have thought about various other alternatives before resorting to sacking an employee, as that is the most difficult decision. Unless one gives a strong reason to get fired, be it consistent lack of performance, indiscipline, integrity or work ethics, an organization wouldn't do it that easily, even in the most compelling of circumstances," says Viswanathan N R, head-employee management, Odyssey India Ltd.
However, while in a boom time, a lot of mistakes go unnoticed, during recession or troubled times, everything comes under the scanner. A similar thing happened during the financial meltdown when the world witnessed an unprecedented rise in job losses and retrenchments.
It is better, therefore, to put things in order so as to avoid getting fired in uncertain times or normally also.
Here are some tips not to come under your organisation's scanner:
1) Excel in performance
One of the most common reasons for being fired is poor performance. Therefore, "simply don't take a job you are not qualified to do," suggests Prafullachandra Bhamare, HR manager, Neev group of companies.
However, if you are good at your work, nothing is going to beat you. "There is nothing to beat excellence in performance. Put in the extra efforts to deliver beyond expectations. Even the toughest boss will acknowledge your contributions," says Shrikanth Dikhale, vice president - HR, Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd.
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2) Be punctual
Punctuality and work timings are making a comeback.
"Late coming is getting more and more noticed nowadays. Don't fall on the wrong side of any of the company's policies," says Viswanathan.
Bhamare agrees, "Don't take a job where punctuality and good attendance is a must, if you are not a reliable type of person," he says. Because in this case too one may get fired sooner or later
3) Inappropriate behaviour
Inappropriate behaviour can also be a reason for termination. This can include lying, sexual harassment, having an affair with a co-worker, and using company resources for personal use, among others.
"The list is endless and the final result may depend on how forgiving your employer is," says Bhamare.
4) Anti-establishment attitude
Don't get into an anti-establishment mode, particularly as a group. "Dropping names and making damaging statements in public can be avoided. If you have a grouse, express it in private to your superior," says Viswanathan.
5) Key concerns of your boss
Understanding the key concerns of your immediate boss is very important in any organization as it is your rapport with your boss which will ultimately make or mar your career
"It is extremely important to know what exactly your boss is working on or what is troubling him/her. Make sure that you are part of his/her solutions (and also not adding to his/her problems!)," says Dikhale
6) Be a team player
Apart from being in the good books of your boss, it is also extremely important to be a team player.
"It is difficult to survive in any organization if you think that you can deliver results on your own. This holds true even if you are an expert. It is imperative, therefore, that one is able to work in a team to achieve the best result," says Dikhale.
7) Correlate salary with job role
Correlate your salary with your job role and performance.
"If you think it is not justifiable in the current, think possible ways of value addition," says Viswanathan.
8) Flexibility is the key
Every employee must learn to adapt to the changing circumstances with alacrity. "Be willing to take additional responsibilities as this will ensure your continuity," says Dikhale.
At the same time, employees should also be ready to travel for longer durations and even be willing to relocate. This is a must particularly for sales people
9) Be in sync with organizational culture
Always respect and be in sync with the organizational culture. For instance, if the culture is formal, go with it and try not to be a rebel. Otherwise that may backfire some day
10) Delivering beyond KRAs
Doing a good job at your workplace is very important for your success, nevertheless you should always try to give your discretionary extra.
"While achieving targets and meeting deadlines are mandatory and all the more non-negotiable during troubled times, giving one's discretionary extra and delivering beyond one's KRAs will definitely be noticed," says Viswanathan.
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