Let’s face it.  None of us are irreplaceable.  This is even more true in a job market where the employer has the upper hand.  People are often laid off or downright fired for reasons that are totally beyond their control.

So let’s look at what we actually can control.

• Our behavior
• Our attitude

Through these we can often control the outcome.  A business coach taught me this formula:

Attitude x Actions = Results

Beginning with the end in mind, as Stephen Covey would say, what are the results you are looking for with respect to your job?  Maybe it’s nothing more than staying employed.  Or perhaps your goal is to advance in the company.  What’s it going to take to achieve that goal?

Let’s start with attitude.  You can pick up on a bad attitude pretty quickly, right? How does it make you feel?  Do you like being around negative people?  Hopefully, the answer is no.  We all become negative at certain times, or with respect to certain subjects.  That’s just human nature.  However, that negativity is best left at the door when we get to work.

No boss wants to hear “I’ll try to do what you are asking of me.” Or worse yet, “I can’t do that”, “It’s impossible”, “There’s no way that’s going to happen”.  Right away they see you as someone who is not a team player or incapable of doing the job.

Of course, there’s always the situation in which the boss is truly setting unreasonable expectations.  But instead of succumbing to the temptation to respond with “it can’t be done”, how about offering an alternative solution, therefore becoming a problem solver?

They say that actions speak louder than words, and indeed they do.  Without action, no amount of thinking good thoughts will get you to your goal.  Think the good thoughts, have a great attitude, and then take actions that will give you the results you are seeking.

When you are given a project to complete, take the time to write down the steps that it will take to complete the project.  Break it down into the smallest steps necessary to ensure that the task is easily doable.  Make note of which tasks will require input from others, and involve them in the process.  Set up a timeline for completion.  Report back to your boss and share your plan.  Keep him informed along the way so that he knows the project is on track.  Do this all before he asks you to!

If your attitude is a 0 on a scale of 0 to 10, the you see what happens with our formula.  Even if your actions are at a 10:

0 x 10 = 0

You will not get the results you are seeking.  Likewise, you can have a great attitude, but without action, you will still not achieve your goals.

So achieving your career goals, whatever they may be, is dependent upon your attitude and actions together.  They are dependent upon each other.

What are your company’s goals?  Have you done your part to help achieve those goals?  What is your attitude toward your company, boss and co-workers?  Could you make any adjustments that would make you a more valuable employee?  Think about it.

You also can start by letting go of the habits that are holding you back from achieving your goals. Fear is the biggie for most of us. Here is an article written by our CEO, on how to move past fear and break through in your career (and personal) life.