You are an entrepreneur. Regardless of who you work for, you must remain viable and prepared to change with the times.  Entrepreneurs know this, or they go out of business. Do not be blinded by reaching a steady state at work. Your corporate loyalty may appear beneficial; but it may actually be hurting you personally and professionally.

Long-term employment disappeared many years ago. Medium-term employment is arguably on its way out. Organizational tenure is becoming shorter and shorter. To make matters more complex, the longer you stay at a job, the less marketable you may become. You may see difficult interview questions like, “What did your seventh year with company X teach you, that you failed to learn earlier?” This doesn’t mean there aren’t benefits to making your relationship with your employer last. But it does mean you should be aware of how changing attitudes toward employment and tenure affect the job market.

Fortunately, there are methods to stand out in your company and be valued by your leadership. Further, there is a very personal and professional silver lining for yourself with each approach.

REMAIN VIABLE

This adage is true for your current employment situation and for your personal professional development. Peter Drucker, renowned business author, discussed this issue in detail. He stated years ago that to remain viable you must reinvent yourself every 3 or 4 years. Today, reinvention may need to occur even more often. You remain viable by staying well informed, learning new skills, applying them and continuing to improve your resume. Most importantly, be prepared to move on when the timing is right.

TAKE INITIATIVE

This is true for work and yourself. Don’t wait. You have often heard that giving the extra 5% can make all the difference. Do it for yourself professionally and on the job site.

NETWORK AND BUILD RAPPORT

Find other people in the organization that are doing different types of work. You may find what they are doing interesting. You can help them, learn from them and grow your professional network at the same time.

PERFORM BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Your company needs you to grow their business. This is true at all levels. If you find a way to increase corporate work share, save dollars through new business relationships or find a new line of work for your company, you are playing an instrumental financial role, while enhancing your organizational viability. If your company is not interested in your discoveries, you have learned during the process and may inadvertently find another great opportunity for yourself.

BE A TEAM PLAYER

Be willing to help others whenever you can. This is good for yourself, the team, the company and your future. You may be learning new skills, or you may just be supporting others and their great ideas. Either way there is significant personal growth and development opportunity for both yourself and the company. And you solidify new and existing relationships.

The value you bring to your employer is the basis of your employment. If you don’t value your contribution, they may not either.  Learn, grow, and remain engaged and you will be providing viability to the company.  However, the largest dividend may very well be the enhancement of your personal growth and development. When the time to move on arrives, you will be confident and prepared!