Starter Survival
In the first year of the Obama administration the economy is still in a slump. More than at any other time, employees worry about their jobs as the pool of applicants and mendicants grow larger-all begging for employment. With this preamble it only stands to reason that those who are employed should do their best to retain their jobs.
“Easier said than done, my friend,” some might say. But take these good words from me, a humble servant who was never laid off, let go, fired, or otherwise unemployed in more than 40 years in business. Retention is the name of the game!
So what are the factors that will impress your boss, to the point of never wanting to get rid of you? Follow these few simple steps and you’ll enjoy security, peace of mind, and restful sleep at night.
1. Don’t be a clock watcher
Ah! Always be the first one to come in and the last one to leave. Volunteer for the tasks that require a little overlapping with theater hours. Those employees who have tickets for concerts, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, movies, dinners, and other amenities will rather take a demerit than cancel and stay late.
That you stay and ‘sacrifice’ your time will not go unnoticed by your boss.
Occasional weekend duties will also be noticed. So, while others enjoy their time off, you are enjoying a sense of job security; not to say absolute peace of mind and good sleep. One caveat, however, is in order: don’t overdo it.
2. Never bad-mouth your boss
Whether you and your co-workers are at the local water hole relaxing, downing a few libations, or even sharing a rest-room chat, never let your guard down and join the chorus in criticizing the boss. Let others do it. Inevitably, gossip, innuendo, and malicious rumors about the boss have a way of finding its way into the victim’s ears.
Even what seem to be harmless comments can be distorted by others. If someone says, “Hm–yes, she has heavy legs, but at bottom she has a decent figure,” can reach the bosses’ ears as, “Hm-yes, she has a heavy bottom and indecent legs.” Or, maybe even a worse unintended insult.
Steer clear of criticism. And don’t ever put the boss on the spot with pointed questions.
Also, remember that technology -besides being a great friend- can be a formidable beastly enemy that can bite and extract a pound of flesh. E-mail, messages in Facebook, Twitter, or other social networks can become evidential trails.
3. Request a meeting with the boss every so often
In general, good bosses will classify subordinates as those who earn and deserve their time, those who take their time, and those who really waste their time.
Be a stellar employee by earning and deserving the boss’s time!
Let the boss know your progress in the tasks assigned, reporting your successes as well as failures and blunders; and in the latter cases, ask for guidance. Don’t let the boss ignore you for long periods of time. A good supervisor will be glad to mentor, train, develop and pass on wisdom to good subordinates.
4. Stick to the truth and the honorable
Employees who lie and act dishonorably will in the end defeat themselves. The old adage, the truth shall prevail, is a repository of wisdom.
5. Wear the aura of competency
While it is a good habit to over-consult rather than to under-consult with your boss, you must show that you have exhausted all the possible resources available to your rank and grade. Bosses like subordinates who are thorough and do their ‘homework’ and research. Save your notes so that you can refer to them when discussing your research and efforts.
Remember, if you give 100 percent of yourself you’ll be noticed as an employee who goes the distance.
Be a self-starter. Don’t wait for direction. And in the process make sure you fit in with the rest of the team; make sure that you harmonize. There’s a delicate balance between being an individualist and a team player: try to find a comfort zone between the two.
Your wholesome performance and your team-player attitude will give you the aura of competency that many employees don’t even suspect it exists. This is what makes an employee likeable, indispensable, and above all-a survivor.
Conclusion
Why win the title ‘employee of the month’ only once when you can win it every day? Wear the aura of competency to distinguish yourself from all others. In the end, ‘retention’ is the name of the game in these tough times.
M. Guerrero
Retired Investment Banker, Corporate Controller, graduate of Columbia University, and Vietnam Vet (1967-1968).
Mary Duffy’s e-book contains all the writing techniques I use: http://sentenceopeners.com
To read my book reviews of the Classics visit my blog: http://writingtolive.com
Fire Starter Survival Kit pt.1
|
|
Doan Magnesium Fire starter lot 50 survival gear prep prepper military surplus $287.93 |
|
|
THRIVE EMERGENCY SURVIVAL STARTER MEAT VARIETY PACK $264.99 |
|
|
Carbon Steel Survival Knife Heavy Duty With Fire Starter 14″ Lot Of 24 $210.00 |
|
|
SUPERIOR Survival Bushcraft Starter Set-Reindeer antler knife – Kuksa cup/Bottle $199.99 |
|
|
BEAR GRYLLS JUNGLE SURVIVAL PARANG MACHETE w/ MILITARY SHEATH FREE FIRE STARTER $179.99 |
|
|
Survival Bushcraft Starter Set-Handmade Camping/Hunting Knife/ Whetstone /Kuksa $162.99 |
|
|
Doan Magnesium Fire starter lot 25 survival gear prep prepper military surplus $162.65 |
|
|
50PCS Survival Magnesium Flint Fire Steel Rod Starter $75.00 |
|
|
72 HOUR EMERGENCY DISASTER STARTER KIT 2 PERSON BOB EDC SURVIVAL $99.95 |
|
|
TOPS USA – BOB – BROTHERS OF BUSHCRAFT – SURVIVAL KNIFE – FIRE STARTER – $160 $116.99 |
|
|
Food Storage Starter Pack Variety 6 Cans Emergency Food , Camping , Survival $114.57 |
|
|
Lot of 50 – Premium Quality Emergency Survival Camping Flint Fire Starter Bar $109.99 |
|
|
THRIVE EMERGENCY SURVIVAL STARTER VARIETY PACK 493 SERV $109.99 |
|
|
TOPS USA – JENSEN SURVIVAL TOOL KNIFE – FIRE STARTER – GGANDCO CUSTOM PARACORD ! $99.99 |
|
|
TOPS USA – BOB – BROTHERS OF BUSHCRAFT – SURVIVAL KNIFE – FIRE STARTER – $160 $95.00 |
|
|
ULTIMATE Survival Watch 550 Paracord Kit Bracelet Knife Fire starter Fish hooks $98.00 |
|
|
Tops Knives Jensen Survival Tool with Piggy Back Sheath & Fire Starter JST-01 $97.95 |
|
|
TOPS USA – JENSEN SURVIVAL TOOL KNIFE – FIRE STARTER – GGANDCO CUSTOM PARACORD ! $89.99 |
|
|
NEW USMC Survival Kit Complete Whistle Fire Starter Mirror Compass Water Bag $94.99 |
|
|
3″ Handmade Survival Bushcraft Puukko Knife with Fire starter/flint-Carbon steel $79.99 |
|
|
4 Person 5 Gallon Bucket Toilet Survival Starter Kit $89.99 |
|
|
THRIVE EMERGENCY SURVIVAL STARTER PROTEIN & WHEAT PACK $85.99 |
|
|
Gerber 31-001047 Survival Tool Pack Multi-Tool Fire Starter & Flashlight $82.10 |
|
|
Gerber Ultimate Knife/ Bear Grylls Survival Kit Includes Fire Starter, Sharpener $81.95 |
|
|
MotorFist 2012 Deluxe Survival Starter Kit Snowmobile Safety Equipment Hard Case $79.99 |
|
|
Lot of 12 – Survival 10 Function Tool Compass Fire Starter Whistle Magnifier $74.99 |
|
|
Paracord Survival Watch with Emergency Kit Woven In- Blade Fishhook Fire Starter $74.99 |
|
|
50x Outdoor Survival Magnesium Flint Tooth Scraper Stone Fire Starter Lighter Ki $49.00 |
|
|
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Tool Pack Multi-Tool Fire Starter and Flashlight $72.99 |
|
|
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Tool Pack Multi-Tool Fire Starter and Flashlight $72.99 |
|
|
Exotac nanoSTRIKER Fire Starter Firestarter Rod TITANIUM Survival Camping Tool $69.99 |
|
|
Esee Advanced Modular Fire Starter Fire Kit w/Compass Camping Hiking Survival $69.99 |
|
|
Ten 11″ Survival Push Knives with Fire Starter Set & Sheath $69.95 |
|
|
Doan Magnesium Fire starter lot 10 survival gear prep prepper military surplus $66.76 |
|
|
3 Person 5 Gallon Bucket Toilet Survival Starter Kit $64.99 |
|
|
USMC Military Survival Kit Unopened Knife Fishing Kit Fire Starter & FREE IFAK $62.95 |
|
|
Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife Sheath W Starter NEW $62.00 |
|
|
Gerber 31-001047 Bear Grylls Ult Survival Multitool Flashlight & Fire Starter $55.00 |
|
|
BEAR GRYLLS ULTIMATE FIXED SURVIVAL KNIFE FIRE STARTER $54.99 |
|
|
2 Person 5 Gallon Bucket Toilet Survival Starter Kit $59.99 |
|
|
Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Serrated Knife Tools Fire Starter Whistle Pommel $57.76 |
|
|
10 PACK • Solid Magnesium Military Grade Survival Fire Starter Kit Flint Striker $57.75 |
|
|
Ultimate SURVIVAL TECHNOLOGIES Strikeforce Fire Starter Camping Hunting Fishing $38.83 |
|
|
20 PCS Survival Magnesium Flint Fire Steel Rod Starter $55.99 |
|
|
20PCS Survival Magnesium Flint Fire Starter Wholesale $55.99 |
|
|
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Stainless Steel Knife Fire Starter Flint W Sheath $54.99 |
|
|
CAMP COOK POT FIRE STARTER STOVE KIT ALL IN ONE HIKE,SURVIVAL,BUG OUT BAG $45.95 |
|
|
9 PACK • Solid Magnesium Military Grade Survival Fire Starter Kit Flint Striker $52.88 |
|
|
Gerber Blades Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife Whistle Fire Starter 31000751 $50.99 |
|
|
2 STREAMLINED SURVIVAL FIRE PISTONS + COKE CAN STARTER $45.00 |
|
|
1 Person 5 Gallon Bucket Toilet Survival Starter Kit $49.99 |
|
|
3 Day Emergency Survival Black Backpack Starter Kit $49.99 |
|
|
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Ultimate Fine Edge Knife! 31-001063 & Fire Starter $49.94 |
|
|
Gerber Bear Grylls Tactical Survival Ultimate Fixed Blade Knife & Fire Starter $49.00 |
|
|
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Tactical/Survival Knife Fire Starter & Fixed Blade $48.95 |
|
|
8 PACK • Solid Magnesium Military Grade Survival Fire Starter Kit Flint Striker $48.95 |
|
|
Ultimate Survival Technologies StrikeForce Fire Starter (Orange) $48.52 |
|
|
Ultimate Survival BlastMatch Fire Starter Black $48.52 |
|
|
Bear Grylls Survival Ultimate Fixed Serrated Blade Saw Blade Knife &Fire Starter $48.50 |
|
|
Bear Grylls Survival Knife Hunting Camping G10 knives Fixed Blade & Fire Starter $48.50 |
|
|
Trademark 7 Survival Knife w/fire Starter, Green Rope, Nylon Pouch $9.98 Conquer the wilderness with the Rescue Team Survival Knife by M-Tech. This durable knife features a full tang blade forged from 440 Stainless Steel and coated in a Teflon finish in the Tanto shape. The handle has been crafted of a hard rubber for superior grip. Carry this knife by your side as you trek into the darkest wilderness with the included nylon sheath…. |
|
|
Wilderness Survival Flint / Fire Starter with Bottle Opener $4.49 … |
|
|
Dog Tag Deluxe Survival Knife $23.23 Dog Tag Deluxe Survival Knife is perfect for camping, hiking, climbing, self defense and survival. Razor sharp hollow ground edge. Heat treated 440C stainless with reflective finish and sighting hole for signaling. Lash down point for attaching a handle, Notch for fire starting with Ferrocerium Rod, protective sheath slides over blade, Engravable, 27 inch chain and a button compass…. |
|
|
Gerber 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife, Serrated Edge $79.99 From Gerber, the 31-000751 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Knife is designed to help you endure in the toughest environments. It features an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling and a dependable stainless steel blade with a versatile serrated edge. Additionally, the knife and military-grade nylon sheath are packed with innovative survival tools, including a fire starter, a diamond blade sh… |
|
|
Master Cutlery HK-106320 Outdoor Fixed Blade Knife, 7.5-Inch Overall $4.95 This is the Mini Full Tang Survival Knife Magnesium Fire Starter. The Blade of the knife has been constructed from 440 Stainless Steel with a tanto point. The sheath is tough green nylon with a belt loop. The knife includes a magnesium rod fire starter…. |
|
|
Gerber 31-000699 Bear Grylls Survival Series Fire Starter $8.48 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Survival Series Fire Starter is a must-have for scouting, camping, and hiking expeditions. Small and compact, this fire starter offers years of use. Watertight construction keeps tinder safe and dry, so when you need it, you can trust that it’s ready to use.Survival Series Fire StarterAt a Glance:Compact fire starter … |
|
|
Kikkerland Magnifire Solar Magnifier (MG19) $9.99 Believe it or not, but the designer of this item actually uses this magnifier to light his smoke. He says it has helped him to slow down his habit because there are not that many sunny days in Paris. The very flat lens, also called a Fresnel Lens magnifies up to 2.5. Probably best used for tiny print. Really, it is a cool little object. To use, slide open the magnifier. Hold it perpendicular to th… |
|
|
Solar Spark Lighter and Survival Tool This is the “hottest” product we sell, literally! The Solar Spark Lighter is the world’s only pocket-size solar lighter. It is actually a stainless steel parabolic mirror, just like the one used to light the Olympic torch every 4 years. It is designed to focus the sun’s radiant energy to a precise focal point that can reach hundreds of degrees! |