AOL’s Tips to Not Get Fired

Not that I need them...

11. Tailor your job description to your strengths.
10. Focus on your employer's priorities. Don't be distracted by responding to unimportant e-mails or marginal requests.
9. Cultivate relationships. Employees who are better liked are often kept on, even if they're less competent at their work.
8. Know your boss's MO. Does he or she like to be asked questions? Be kept apprised of what you're up to?
7. Solicit ongoing feedback. Ask them what they like and dislike about your work, and request an informal evaluation.
6. Pick your battles. Discretion demands that you know when to press your point and when to back off.
5. Practice damage control. Apologize for a mistake immediately and forthrightly, but without protracted self-flagellation.
4. Neutralize your enemies. Take them out to lunch and try to find common interests, or let people know that the two of you have issues that can't be resolved.
3. Promote yourself. Prepare a five-second "elevator speech" that you can use when someone asks how you're doing. Make sure you get credit for your own ideas.
2. Work hard.
1. Learn the right stuff. Read articles, attend workshops and cultivate mentors in your field. If you are let go, you'll have cutting-edge skills that future employers will value.