BE A MIND READER

Wouldn't it be nice if you could predict what your boss was going to do next? While this trick would be handy for everyday situations, it could be a career-saver when it comes to the big stuff, such as department shake-ups. Although these events may seem unpredictable, hindsight often reveals a trail of bread crumbs leading directly to the decision in question.

For example, what do you think of this scenario? John has worked for a metal fabricator for 20 years. The pay meets his needs, and he enjoys the work and his co-workers, so he has never seriously considered changing jobs. At 55, his body is wearing out from the physically demanding work, but he figures he can last to 65 if he works smart.

So far so good. John's boss, Ray, is also about 55 and has owned the company for nearly 30 years. Lately he's been sprucing up the plant. New coat of paint, new lighting . . . He's investing in the company, which makes the staff feel secure.

But what if they're reading the signs incorrectly? Although Ray's investment in the plant is a positive thing, the workers are not taking into account that the changes have been cosmetic. Meanwhile, Ray, who has always enjoyed travel, is spending nearly a week of every month on vacations.

WORKING STRATEGIES

Amy Lindgren

From an outsider's perspective, this is the profile of someone who very easily could enjoy a decade or two of active retirement, funded by the sale of a spruced-up building. If this turns out to be Ray's intent, John probably has no more than five years left with this employer. If the company closes then, John will be 60, with a narrow set of skills and an aging body. Where will he begin to look for work?

As so many people learn the hard way, it doesn't matter what you would do in a certain situation. The only thing to consider is who has the power and what he or she is likely to do with it. John can't apply his own values for consistency and security to Ray's situation. Instead, he has to look realistically at what Ray is practically broadcasting to his employees: "I have other interests in my life; I'm not going to be tied down by this company."

This concept also applies in a company or department that is being managed badly. The question to ask isn't "How do I get into this manager's good graces?" but "How much power does this manager hold over my career, and what is he or she likely to do with it?"

Here's a less adversarial way to look at this: Your boss has a career, too. Based on what you know about his or her motivations and goals, what do you predict will be the next step on your boss's career path?

What? You don't know much about your boss's motivations and goals? That's a mistake that you should correct, if you want to have a modicum of control over your own future as it relates to this job.

Start by asking yourself some basic questions: Why does my boss work here? What does he or she like about this place? Dislike? What are the next levels my boss can reach in this company? Is he or she respected?

Now think more about this person's work attitude and personality. Is he or she ambitious? Eager to move up? A clock-watcher who hurries home at the earliest opportunity?

Lastly, think about your boss's personal circumstances. Are there financial obligations or family burdens in the background? How long is the commute? What do you know of his or her outside interests and friendships?

When analyzing this information, ask yourself: What is this person likely to do, career-wise, and how would that affect me? How can I help my boss and, in so doing, help myself?

If you discover that you're in a vulnerable situation, take action. Get some retraining on the side, sock away money to ride out a layoff, consider a job change . . . Just don't wait for the obvious to happen and then act surprised when it does. The future isn't as hard to predict as you might think.

- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.