Should this comment that my boss made in passing worry me?

Q. For two years now, I have taken home the employee of the year award, presented by the CEO. At the beginning of this year, the manager came over to my desk and asked if I had updated my resume. As she walked away, she said that it is important to do so because companies make staff changes at the beginning of the year. She has a reputation of laying off employees she considers a threat. I am greatly disturbed. Do I ask what she meant by that statement or pretend that the conversation never happened?

Relax, perhaps she was just reminding you to update your CV. Or maybe she was not involved in the selection of the annual award winner, which would have made her feel insecure in her role. Ideally, the manager must be involved in such a process since she is best placed to give feedback on your performance. If she was not, this will put you in a very difficult position, and you must redeem yourself to continue enjoying a cordial working relationship with her, which is very critical for your success in your current role and career growth.

On the changes that the company makes, I doubt that it is up to her to decide which role should be abolished, since this is a decision made by the leadership of the company. The company must have procedures that are followed when terminating employees’ contracts, and should not allow one individual to determine your fate without following due process. However, all of us as employees must be aware that we will one day leave employment due to various reasons. Many companies are sending employees on early retirement, it is therefore important to start planning for your exit strategy in future.

However, to clear any doubts in your mind on whether your boss sees you as a threat, approach her and have a candid discussion and let her know that her comment made you very anxious. Also use this opportunity to confirm to her that you are happy working for the company with her as the boss, and you are willing to take up more responsibilities to enrich your current role. Find out if she is happy with your performance, and if not, which areas you should improve on. This will calm her, and she will start seeing you as an ally, rather than as an enemy out to take her job. Meanwhile, improve your confidence and skill set by enrolling for professional courses to prepare you for a higher role.

Don’t just sit there at the mercy of your boss, you have potential which you should unleash either within the company or in a different role.

Be the victor, not the victim.