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BE ATTENTIVE _______________________
It is easy to become hyper-vigilant when fearful in
workplace. This is a natural response to high-stress or trauma. Once one thing has happened, there is a heightened expectation of more to follow. So, be attentive and avoid responding to hyper-vigilance.
How do you do this? When something happens that could be construed as an indication of a problem, say, you see two colleagues chatting quietly together, ask yourself a few questions. If lay-offs were not an issue, would this behavior seem problematic? Am I labeling or judging this behavior inappropriately? How am I intensifying fear by my reactions and behaviors? Am I doing anything that might be causing others discomfort? This will help you adjust your perspective to maintain balance.
Be attentive to your own behavior. When you focus on what you can contribute rather than what you fear, several benefits follow. You are calmer. You help others feel more settled. Your focus makes you more valuable in workplace. You become a leader.
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BE PRO-ACTIVE ______________________
Keep your head up out of sand. Be aware of realities of your current situation and plan for them realistically. If your first reaction is panic, set aside an hour to just worry. Get it out of your system. Worry really well and use that hour fully. Then, look for actual evidence in reality of best plan for yourself.
Read magazines from your industry. What are trends? What are needs? Do you need more training? Is re-location an option? This would be a good time to assess your goals and focus on your next steps.
Talk with others in your field, preferably, those in charge. Ask your questions. Clarify intentions of organization. Ask how and if your position is likely to be affected. Don’t wait to be a result. Be an effect, a cause!
Your life is too important to live in fear in your workplace. You have goals. You have skills. You have direction. You have a voice. Take charge of fear. You know that you are only person who is responsible for your responses to life. Choose responses that support you. Too many people fail to step up to plate in their own game of life. Step up! Be positively selfish, attentive and pro-active.
