Recently, I came across a friend who was expecting and working out with her employer plans for her coverage during the maternity leave. Her main concern was not the workload others have to take during her absence or how to make sure the person is briefed on all of her responsibilities. Surprisingly, she was worried that this period will let her cover staff and her boss know how little she actually does on a day-to-day basis. This discovery, according to her, could jeopardise her position.
While it is tough to judge whether her concern is valid or not without having more facts about the position and her exact role, the problem points to the common situation in which people get so complacent with not doing much that they become dispensable.
Denial plays big role in this professional deterioration. Many are tempted to think that they are forced into a marginal role by supervisors or management, but it is a fact that no one can be in this position without sharing some responsibility.
If you think you're at risk of being marginalised to the extent that you become a good candidate for a layoff, here are a few tips to turn the situation around for yourself:
Impressions
The feeling that you're on the brink of getting fired may not be because of not doing a vital role as much as how far your behaviour has been distracting to others. Let's face it: If you've not been busy, you likely have been taking longer breaks, showing up late for work or clearly wasting time right and left. The point is that by not keeping busy, you may be shooting yourself in the foot. In addition to your actual limited tasks, the bad habits in terms of lack of punctuality and discipline may give an overall negative impression of your abilities. All of the above can make the decision to let you go easier.
Attitude check
It might be easy to blame a bossy co-worker or your own boss for not allowing you more responsibilities or involvement. This, however, may be a result of your own attitude. If you've not developed the right teamwork spirit or you have often tried to avoid responsibility or hamper new initiatives, others may be intentionally leaving you out of projects as per their understanding that you either don't want to take part or you will be an obstacle. It is important to review how you've dealt with previous opportunities and try to change your attitude if it could be the reason for this exclusion.
Volunteer
Regardless of the reason for being marginalised or left out, the first step to change the situation is to find a way to take on more responsibilities. This can be done instantly by offering to help a co-worker or take on a new project. You must be careful, however, in selecting a project that can materialise and give you immediate attention and credit. Additionally, try a project that is popular, significant, and that can be an evidence for your versatile skills and ability to branch out of your role.
In the open
Share the problem. The fear that you will bring attention to how little you actually do is understandable, but you may be kidding yourself if you think that others don't know that already. The fact that you take the initiative to ask for more work and a more fulfilling role can add to your profile. It also positions you for openings and projects that you might not know of. All you want to do is to take the right approach in addressing your boss on how your current responsibilities have become a routine and can allow you to take on more tasks, if needed.
The last resort
If your attempts to take more responsibilities or new projects fail either because of lack of opportunities or because of someone who is working against you, don't just wait and see. No business will keep someone with low productivity on board for so long in this economy. Get a head start by going on a job hunt. In the meantime, be conscious of making the best out of your current position, focus on quality and demonstrate a good personality and a professional attitude. In addition, make sure that you keep your knowledge up to date with the market. A big drawback of an easy job is how you can lose track of the standards and requirements that are commonly required in the industry.
Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News' business features editor, is currently a journalist based in Seattle.
