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Articles
Transitioning from Setback to Success
Nov 18, 2009
By: Alison Sfreddo
It is difficult for anyone these days to not be affected from the recent economic challenges of this country and its rippling effects through the workplace. We have all witnessed—either through the media or our own circumstances—the unfortunate effects of downsized organizations and layoffs and its effects on budgets and planning.
Becoming caught in a downsize or budget cut, however, is not permanent and does not have to shorten your stride. There are a number of strategies that can showcase your resilience and help you to get noticed for your resourcefulness. If you can be open to a shift in attitude and a different position, you can weather any setback and turn it into a success! Here are just a few strategies that can bring you new prospects and get you noticed.
Don’t take it personally. Having a project put on hold is not a reflection on you. More often than not, there are a number of reasons as to why a program or project gets put on the “back burner.” Many professionals tightly align their sense of self-worth with their success in the workplace. As defeated as you may feel, remember that a hold or termination of a program or project was financial and not personal.
Keep in touch with colleagues. Although you may no longer have daily interaction with the colleagues you interacted with on a current project or program, make it a point to continue to connect with them on a regular basis. In addition to collaborating professionally, many team members find friendships with their daily co-workers and view the project environment to be a great environment for supportive camaraderie. Be sure to keep in contact with those former colleagues as they can provide you with the same support and friendship outside the project arena as they are probably experiencing the same feelings.
Befriend a Mentor. Now is the best time to befriend a mentor. Although the project or program that you put your heart and soul into is no longer progressing, a generous mentor can provide you with much needed support guidance and visibility to get you noticed for the organization’s new focus. In addition, as many mentors are in fact supervisors, they may also be privy to information about new programs, projects and positions.
Stay current with Professional Organizations. Although your organization may no longer pay the dues of your membership, in many ways, these networks can serve as mini job fairs. If you can afford it, plan to pay the dues yourself. Keep in mind that these organizations are a great resource and many of its members may be able offer leads to new or alternative opportunities.
Keep a daily Agenda. Although there doesn’t seem to be much on your plate these days in terms of professional obligations, make sure to map out – daily – plans and objectives for finding and landing that new position in a new project or program. Every day should have a goal whether it is a updating your resume, submitting an application, or making that follow up call or email. Each week’s goals should be longer than the previous week’s as you can begin to measure your progress to your end objective – that new job or project!
Having one’s project or program eliminated can be discouraging. But these feelings are not permanent. Ask yourself the following questions during your transition as they will help to get you to that promising new project or program even soon than expected!
-- Have I formulated an agenda or plan for to get myself involved in a new project or program?
-- Do I keep in weekly contact with my former colleagues?
-- Is my résumé current?
-- When was the last Professional Organization meeting I attended? Do I know when the next one is?
-- Am I open to new possibilities – even if they are not in alignment with what I was doing previously?
-- Have I looked into seeking a mentor? Who do I respect professionally and personally?
-- Am I keeping a positive outlook?
-- Am I considering different alternatives? What are they?
This article was published in The Training Connection, Inc.'s November 2009 Newsletter.
© 2009, The Training Connection, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
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