Bulletproof Your Job

I've been reading Bulletproof Your Job by Stephen Viscusi. The format is quite simple and perfect as a handbook for when you have 5-10 minutes to kill. Most of the advice is very practical although some (such as the "Arrive Early and Stay Late" chapter which Stephen has decided to make the first chapter of the book) are a bit... dubious. I must admit it is true, though. The advice seems a bit dated sometimes but most of it is quite good.

According to Stephen there are four things you must do to bulletproof your job:
1. Be Visible
2. Be Easy
3. Be Useful
4. Be Ready

Each of these is broken down into chapters such as Quit Complaining, Lend a Hand, and Take Initiative. I would like to talk about that last one for a moment as I've taken it to heart lately.

Taking initiative can be hard because it is risky. What I've come to realize is that taking the initiative at work is far less risky in the long run. If you work for a company that won't let you take initiative then for your own health and sanity you're probably better off moving to another company. If you're lucky, and you work for someone who is happy to see you take initiative then this will jump start your career.

I'm not talking about saying "yes" to that project (in fact, I've started saying "no" a lot more at work). I'm talking about making decisions *before* your boss does. You should be thinking ahead and doing something before your boss tells you to do it. If you make a mistake, shrug it off, but be sure to own the outcome.

This works because, as Stephen mentions in the chapter, taking initiative gives "a shot of movement and motion and progress and promise that creates a positive momentum that always trumps short-term errors."

I've had to overcome my own fear of taking on the risk associated with taking the initiative and just diving in and doing. My secret is realising I can't afford *not* to take the initiative *now*. By taking the initiative and owning the outcome, I take control and if I can't work the way I want to then I may as well find another company that will let me.

If you haven't tried taking the initiative I suggest you do. It can be a liberating experience.