The Status Quo Has Risks. Protect Yourself.

It is not good to get too comfortable with and reliant on the status quo. Things change, risk is ever-present, and Sh!+ Happens. Sometimes we can ride out the changes, and sometimes we are blasted from our safe perches and required to take action and move on to create our own new norm. The challenge is to gauge the timing to our best advantage.

Today, the Eqyptian government led by President Hosni Mubarek is faced with a wide-spread, chaotic and violent rebellion demanding change. We provide an average of 2 billion dollars a year in aid to Egypt (second only to what we give to Israel) – primarily to bolster U.S.-Egyptian military cooperation. Imagine the changes required to U.S. policy if Mubarek’s rule is overthrown and a new ruler is disinclined to be allied with the U.S. The balance of power in the Middle East might change overnight. Mubarek is 83 years old. What was our plan for mitigating the risk of a change in leadership in Egypt that had to happen soon?

This isn’t a political blog, so let’s bring the subject matter closer to home with a different and more familiar scenario:

You’ve worked for the same company for years. Suddenly, the company is sold. Leadership changes. Over time, it becomes evident that values, priorities, philosophies, and other important aspects of your situation have changed as well. Your position is threatened by reorganization and outsourcing. Should you hunker down, take evasive action, conform to the new norms, or look for greener pastures? It’s a tough call to make – and harder to take steps when emotions intrude.

Be prepared for change, because change always happens eventually. You can’t always know or guess what is going to happen, and you need not always be looking over your shoulder, but you SHOULD:

STAY IN GOOD GRACES with your current employer. You will need the reference if you decide to move on. Be ethical. Be productive. Don’t let circumstances paralyze you and adversely affect your performance.  Rather, strive for new ways to make yourself indispensable.

KEEP YOUR RESUME CURRENT. Update it at least once a year, or more often if you gain new responsibilities, experience, or credentials.

CULTIVATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK. The majority of new job opportunities are found through networking – not through job listings. Creating a healthy network of people who know you and your work is vital to the health of your career – even when you are not looking for a new opportunity.

LEARN AND GROW. The world keeps turning. You’d better not be standing still. Stay current in your field. Read. Take classes.

EXPLORE THE JOB CLIMATE. Discreetly explore opportunities with other companies, through your trusted network, with the help of a search firm, or through job postings. Go on an interview. (It’s good practice, if nothing else.) The best time to look for a job is while you still have one. If you discover that you are lucky to have your current position, that’s good to know too.