How to be layoff-proof

Communications News, March, 1990 by Paul Kirvan

HOW TO BE LAYOFF - PROOF

Most of you now know that a job in telecommunications today is not forever. Mergers, acquisitions, downsizing, consolidations and reorganizations are normal occurrences. Company employees by the thousands are either being terminated or retired early. It is no different in the telecomm management profession.

Sometimes all the advance planning in the world won't prevent your untimely departure from your company. But with the right approach, and the right attitude, you can help yourself remain at work longer than your peers.

Keep Up To Date

The first thing you must do is keep up to date on your company. This of course links with your ongoing activities in which you keep abreast of your firm's business. This includes reading the financial pages, annual reports, internal news bulletins, being tied into the company grapevine, and others.

The more informed you are about your company, the better prepared you are to spot the warning signs.

In previous columns we have talked about building your own golden parachute, in case you leave the company unceremoniously.

Educate Yourself

We have also talked about the importance of educating yourself, building a support network of other professionals, getting involved in user organizations and strengthening the ties with your family.

These are all important in your plans. Now here are a few more areas which will help increase your overall value to your company.

Once again, if the wheels are in motion, you may already be targeted for dismissal. If you can "read the tea leaves" early enough, you may be able to get the job relocation process underway before you are suddenly terminated.

That is indeed about the worst feeling: getting terminated with no advance warning.

It happened to me; it may have happened to you at some time in your career. It leaves an indelible impression.

It also won't happen to me again!

Let's look at a few areas, outside of the typical career planning or resuscitation activities.

These issues can boost your "corporate" status in the firm. They can help raise your visibility in the firm, and could increase your perceived value to management.

Again, if the door is opening, all you might be able to do is buy some time, but it might be enough to get "Plan B" activated.

The quality process should be a regular part of your activities.

For example, when planning a telephone system, make sure you listen to department heads, operations managers, secretaries, and all the other priority contacts within each functional group of the company. Learn about the specific communications needs within these units.

Build Expertise

Become an expert in terms of how the company functions. Develop a quality statement for your department. Tie it into the firm's quality direction.

If the company doesn't have a quality program, start one. Make a commitment to do the right job right, the first time.

Boost your forecasting and capacity planning.

Utilize forecasting programs and capacity planning tools wherever possible. This also includes project management programs. System forecasts should be reviewed and updated at least every quarter for all locations.

Generate reports and demand/capacity charts to assist in determining your future hardware or software additions during the five-year planning cycle.

Have capacity planning information well in advance; it will prevent last minute rushes. It also prevents embarrassing situations.

Plenty of discussion occurs today about the strategic importance of telecomm. Have you tried to figure out what that really means? Consider the following:

* broaden your focus to happenings at both the federal and state levels;

* observe the introduction of new products and services;

* tune in to the international market;

* watch movements of the competition (particularly your company's);

* analyze the trends in mergers and acquisitions;

* keep an eye on costs.

Telecomm professionals cannot afford tunnel-vision. You must continually assess the dynamics of the industry, both as a separate entity and in the larger context of a globally competitive economy.

From that perspective you should try to make planning decisions that have a broader impact on your firm as a whole, as well as its competitive position.

Begin concentrating on strategic issues as well as operational ones.

Don't miss the big picture!

Build Contingency Plans

Create network backup plans protect your firm's investment in telecommunications. These investments will be worthwhile; they willl provide peace of mind for you.

Build your industry knowledge. Subscribe to a weekly newspaper and a monthly technical magazine that addresses your primary interests. Read another that helps you grow in other areas.

Try at least one newsletter, or one that abstracts articles from numerous other publications. In short, siphon the best and most relevant information.

Attend Shows

Travel to at least one major trade show/conference a year. Find one that provides both technical education and product knowledge.

Increase your negotiating skills. Negotiation is a critical skill for communications executives.