HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SELF FROM CORPORATE DOWNSIZING

Whether you have just graduated from university and are beginning your corporate climb with your first job, or even if you have been at it for some years, Elizabeth Freedman has some solid advice for you: Your success and maybe even longevity on the job will boil down to one simple concept—BUILD TRUST. When you handle yourself professionally, you help others feel as if they can count on you. When you’ve got business know-how under control, people will spend less time focusing on your “office manners” or wardrobe choices and more time appreciating your positive attributes.

You have to be believe that this is good thinking for those at the front end of a career, and it certainly could point the way to a “tune-up” for those who have worked for a while. “Work 101” is a small but powerful book written by Ms. Freedman. However you will keep it close to you wherever you go each day. The subjects expanded on are vast and detailed. For instance: making your first meeting with a new boss or associate something that sticks in their mind (remember it’s reputation not impression). Make a strong introduction, get comfortable with breaking the ice, look professional as well as act that way. Finally, create a long-term plan for yourself to ensure that on-going reputation building.

This little gem of a book is jammed full of how-to’s, and when’s, and why’s, and what’s as well. Professor Freedman gets right down to the basics. Even if you have spent years in the business world you will welcome every little “aha” or “yep” moment or suggestion. Also if you are a supervisor it will help you in building your own staff’s competence as well.