Working hard to be fired

Are you working overtime to be fired? Some people are and they don’t even know it. When you are in a position for far too long there is a tendency to get complacent, you don’t try as hard as you used to and you feel entitled because of the long hours and past achievements. Although you may feel you have earned the right to kick back a bit, you may be writing your ticket out the door. {{more}}

As competition increases, employers will need to trim the fat from their workforce.

Because the public is demanding better service across the board, businesses want to benefit from the impact of globalization and there is an abundance of potential employees, locally trained and those returning home after training abroad.

With these factors in mind employees need to look at their current workplace performance to ensure that they are not taking their jobs for granted. If you are currently doing any of the following, you are taking your job for granted.

1. Arriving late to work

2. Leaving early regularly without a valid reason

3. Taking extended breaks and lunches

4. Using the office phone excessively for personal use

5. Paying little or no attention to customers

6. Arguing with your supervisor, coworkers and/or customers

7. Using company resources for your personal gain (e.g. supplies, expense accounts)

8. Expecting and even demanding a raise when your performance does not merit an increase

9. Refusing to go the extra mile to resolve an issue or supporting a colleague’s ideas

10. Complaining about minor things and losing sight of what’s really important

11. Living off yesterday’s achievements instead of striving to blaze a new trail?

Although these may seem like small infractions, these are the factors that make a difference in the way a company performs, and should be taken seriously. You are not owed a job. As an employee, it is important to earn a job, and then let your performance be the factor that determines whether you keep that job.

• Karen Hinds works with companies and professionals to develop their competitive edge through effective communications, image management and customer service. Send comments and suggestions to Karen@KarenSpeaks.com