Is my job secure? Has this question been on your mind during Covid?

Is My Job Secure?
Has this question been on your mind during Covid?

There is no denying it – Coronavirus has brought about massive change and it’s become abundantly clear that no job is 100% secure.

But then again, has your job really been that secure anyway?? The truth is NO. No job has ever been 100% secure, but in this environment, job security has become even more of a myth.

Over the last couple of months during this time of lockdown, it’s likely that almost every single professional (and non–professional) has asked themselves this question.

“Is my job secure?”

Uncertainty remains, with the true economic impact far from clear and although there has already been devastating job loss, I’m concerned that there is still more to come.

So my question today is…

How would you fare if you were made redundant  tomorrow?

And if you were – are you ready and prepared to weather the storm?

Over and over again I’ve seen what it takes to fast track your way from sudden job loss… to your next ideal role. And it’s all about the people you know, the quality of your relationships and having clarity about the type of work you’d like to be doing.

We may not always see job loss coming our way – but there are definitely some key steps we can all take to minimise the impact if it does happen.

Here’s what I’ve seen make the biggest difference.

3 top tips to insure against job loss

1. Manage your career progression

When was the last time you spent time considering your career achievements and the direction you want to take it next? If like most you’ve been leaving your career up to chance… let’s change that!

If you don’t know where your career is heading, you can’t position for what you want next!

Having clarity allows you to build your skills in a particular area, get known by key stakeholders or to focus on developing your leadership capability.

Clarity builds momentum. And with momentum comes opportunity.

2. Build Strategic Relationships

If you suddenly found yourself on the job market, having a strong network is priceless. These are the people who would be the first to reach out to support you, offer assistance and make introductions that could possibly lead to job opportunities.

And let’s be clear … your network is your best source of job opportunities. Your next role is unlikely to come from a recruiter. Please do not leave your future in their hands!

If you want to be one of those people who always seems to be at the right place, at the right time to snap up the most interesting opportunities – you need to be one of those people who invests time and energy into building strong relationships.

But given that building strong relationships takes time, make sure that you are ALWAYS prioritising (in good times and bad) building and strengthening your networks.

3. Raise Your Profile

The way you go about this may need to change in this new world of working from home. It’s not as easy as floating past someone’s desk and having a chat or nipping out for a quick coffee between meetings.

In this new world you will need to be a little more strategic and deliberate about building your profile.

Start by identifying what you want to be known for. Build the brand you want – rather than settling the one others want to give you.

Then look for opportunities to speak about your achievements or demonstrate the skills and traits you want to be known for. Getting involved in high profile projects are great for developing strategic relationships and to demonstrate your value, your strengths and your leadership skills.

And don’t forget LinkedIn. Almost every week I hear from women who have been approached about an opportunity as a result of being found on LinkedIn. Update your profile and then get active.

Now is not the time to be complacent.

With the massive hit to the economy over recent months, who knows what the next 6–12 months will bring? But let’s not bury our heads in the sand and hope all will be OK.

With just a little shift in where you focus your time and attention – you can position yourself to bounce back fast from any challenge that may come your way.

And hopefully you will never need to tap into this insurance plan for job loss.

But always know that this work will never be wasted. Activating this plan is the perfect preparation for when you choose to move from your current role to you next ideal exciting opportunity.

Good luck. Stay well. Make an impact.

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March 2, 2017June 11, 2026

Being overlooked? Here’s why

Ever wonder to yourself “why am I being overlooked?” You are working hard. No… you are working really hard. You know you are good at want you do and you are getting great results. Your team members are engaged, love you and you know you are doing a great job building talent.

But yet…

You don’t feel valued. You are not getting promoted. And you suspect you are being paid less than your peers.

But why?

I blame The Good Girl Syndrome. It’s not the entire answer but it definitely plays a part for many women.

From an early age we learnt that being “good” got us recognition, praise and attention. I know this is my story.

As a little girl I was praised for being “good” when visiting friends. As I got older I spent hours perfecting my assignments and studying for long hours to get recognition for good grades. Then as I entered the workforce, working hard brought me promotions and opportunities without even looking for them.

So sticking to the model of working hard and following the system, structure and rules worked for a time… but then the interesting opportunities ran dry.

There is no doubt that working hard is a great strategy in our early career but it’s not enough as we step into the more senior leadership roles.

Relying on hard work alone, will only lead to resentment, frustration and ultimately burnout.

You are way too smart and have way too much to offer to remain overlooked and under appreciated. And, right now more than ever, organisations NEED what you have to offer.

It’s time to focus on what will get you a valued position at the leadership table.

If you are being overlooked… here’s what to do

1. Stop The Busy Bee Work.

For many women, it’s as simple as… they are working on the wrong things.

They are focused on the details rather than the big picture. They get trapped in the day to day implementation rather than being seen to be strategic thinkers who can move the business forward.

Don’t get me wrong. These tasks are important. But the question must be; are you the best person to be doing them or could you support one of your team members to take on this responsibility?

And when you focus on these tasks, what aren’t you getting around to doing? What big ticket projects or strategic pieces of work are you failing to complete in timely fashion?

Put it another way – you are a Busy Worker Bee when, to be truly seen, heard and valued, you need to be operating more like the Queen Bee.

Worker Bee work does not get you the recognition or access to the best roles or a seat at the leadership table. Queen Bee work does.

2. Get Visible.

Putting your head down and working hard usually means that you are too busy to be building strategic relationships and networking. If you want to stop being overlooked… you need to get visible.

You need to get known. And you need to build relationships with the key decision makers in your business and in your industry. And like any relationships, business relationships take time and energy.

It’s time to get out from behind your desk and connect in person. Make time for coffee. The people I have the best business relationships with are with those people who I’ve made time to meet in person in a more relaxed social setting.

And make sure that those that matter know what you do, what your career aspirations are and what value you add.

Career aspirations will never be realised if you keep them a secret!

3. Discover what part you play.

It’s now time for some soul searching. If you are being overlooked… there is usually a reason. We are usually doing something to contribute to the situations we find ourselves in.

I know. This is pretty hard to face up to at times. It would be so much easier if we could blame the boys club or the funding cuts or the leader who is blind to the talent they have right in front of them.

But the honest truth… there is always something we are doing that results in us being overlooked.

What is it for you? Let’s be honest.

Progress and change all starts with self awareness.

Is it that you’re focused on the Busy Worker Bee work? Is it that you are not blowing your own trumpet and letting people know about the results you and your team are getting? Is it that you are seen as difficult or unapproachable?

Is it that you are focused on driving the results at the expense of the team or is it that you are focusing on developing the team at the expense of delivering on the big picture business strategy?

Whatever it is… it’s very likely that it’s within your control to change.

Being overlooked is frustrating and can impact your confidence. But let’s see it as a sign that something needs to change.

The good news is… big change is usually not required. Tiny tweaks is all it takes.

Don’t stay stuck where you are…. being overlooked for the best roles.

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August 7, 2014June 12, 2026

The Risks Of Ignoring Your Network

Most of us recognise that having a strong professional network is an important element of achieving our career goals and aspirations.

But how many of us actually make time to develop, nurture and grow our connections. It is all too easy to get busy being busy in a rush to get everything on the “to do” list done, while neglecting the benefits that come from truly connecting and sharing with other professionals.

Research by the McKinsey Leadership Project has found that “People with strong networks and good mentors enjoy more promotions, higher pay, and greater career satisfaction. They feel a sense of belonging, which makes their lives meaningful.”

So clearly this is important.

How strong is your professional network?

Who is in your network?
How connected to them are you? Could you seek out their professional advice or support?
Is your network made up of people both within your organization and externally?
Do you have a network of others within your profession to draw on to solve problems?
Do you have a mentor or a circle of trusted advisors? Do you keep in touch?
How do you support those within your network?

Building your network is something that you need to work at and prioritise. Imagine the benefits that would come from putting aside time every month to stay in touch and be available to help others. You will be rewarded with stronger relationships, solutions to problems, keeping abreast of important information and the joy that comes from being of value to those in your network.

Then there is the hidden job market that is suddenly available to you through those who know what you are good at and what you want from your career.

My own networks were an invaluable source of advice, support and connections when I started out in business. Friends, family and professional colleagues generously helped me to find resources, provided introductions to potential clients and were there for me to celebrate the wins and pick up the pieces when the going got tough.

The idea of networking fills many with fear and trepidation. The good news is that the strength of your network has less to do with networking and much more about developing relationships.

By focusing on two-way, genuine and mutually beneficial relationships, the idea of building your network will go from being a daunting task to be avoided like the plague, to being a fulfilling, fun diversion from the day to day grind.

A diverse network of friends, colleagues and associates is key to supporting your professional development and growth and to impact your sense of personal fulfilment. By ignoring this critical element of your career growth, you will miss out on the potential benefits: inspiration, information, contacts, informal mentors, support, encouragement and potential job opportunities.

Alone we can be strong… but together we can be stronger. Surround yourself we people to support and help your growth, clear the pathway for opportunities to emerge and challenge you to strive for even more than you think is possible.

Who are you going to connect with over the next week, remembering that this is as much about what value you can add to them as it is about how they can add value to you?

LET'S CONNECT

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Join the newsletter list for weekly tips and strategies showing you how to ignite your career, lead your way and accelerate your success.

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Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact my team.

Tag: Network