How to Stay Professionally Fit during Tough Times
by Cynthia Wesley and Toni Navy

1. Develop a strong Mental Attitude. A national survey showed that Executives most value employees with a positive 'Can-do' attitude. This is different than being a 'yes' person; but someone who consistently demonstrates critical thinking skills and can create solutions instead of morale problems.

2. Capitalize on your strengths. Build your support team by surrounding yourself with people that have strengths in areas where you're weak. This is not to say that you shouldn't work on weak areas, but create systems where you don't have to focus lots of energy and can concentrate on your areas of expertise.

3. DELIVER! Be your word. Don't make promises to look good or be liked. Underpromise and over deliver by setting expectations that make sense. Top Professionals will respect your ability to 'push back' and set yourself up for Successes.

4. Keep your Network Alive outside of your company. Cultivate professional relationships outside of your company while you're still working. Become visible in your professional networks by volunteering and taking on responsibilities. It will make it easier to ask for referrals when you do need them. In this volatile market, the job you have today is not promised tomorrow.

5. Listen and READ Everything! Ask questions and Read everything you can get your hands on about the industry and company you work for. If you're not interested enough to do your homework, then find a different industry to work in. By keeping aware of 'What's going on ', you'll keep from being blindsided.

6. Understand appropriate Protocol in your organization. Every organization has systems that acknowledge its power sources. Be Proactive in learning 'Who's -who' in your organization and the steps you're required to follow to be successful. To ignore this could be professional suicide.

7. Don't be the Lone Ranger Whether you're currently in a position or seeking a position, building strong alliances is key to success. You can't possibly see, do, and know all. Having a variety of mentors that you trust can help you manage day-to-day challenges so you make better career choices.