In a recent LinkedIn post, Roberta Matuson delves into the often-uncomfortable realities of corporate layoffs, challenging the conventional notion that performance alone guarantees job security. Matuson, a recognized expert in leadership and career strategy, highlights that decisions leading to job cuts are frequently influenced by factors beyond an individual’s direct contributions.
Matuson opens by referencing recent widespread layoffs, stating:
“If you think this will never happen to you, just ask the people at Oracle who received a message saying today is your last working day.”
This stark opening sets the stage for her core argument: that layoffs are not solely performance-based. Instead, she contends that visibility, strategic positioning, and perceived essentiality play a crucial role in who remains when difficult decisions are made behind closed doors.
The Role of Influence and Visibility
Roberta Matuson argues that individuals can be performing exceptionally well yet still find themselves on a layoff list. This is because, in her view, the criteria for retention often extend beyond task completion.
“They are about visibility. They are about positioning. They are about who is seen as essential when decisions get made behind closed doors.”
According to Matuson, leaders who aim to mitigate the risk associated with unexpected job losses must adopt a proactive strategy. This involves cultivating influence that transcends their immediate job responsibilities and making their value apparent to key decision-makers. She emphasizes that simply doing a good job is often insufficient.
Building Indispensability
Matuson outlines several key actions that professionals can take to strengthen their position within an organization. These include:
- Building influence beyond their immediate role
- Making their value visible to the right people
- Strengthening relationships before they are needed
- Positioning themselves as indispensable, not just reliable
As Matuson points out, adopting these practices means that if an unexpected event occurs, individuals are not caught unprepared.
“And if the unexpected happens, they are not starting from zero. They are ready.”
She further elaborates on the proactive nature of career security, stating that it is not a given but rather something that must be actively built. Matuson, who works directly with leaders on these strategies, notes that some seek her guidance after experiencing a layoff, while others engage her services preemptively, recognizing that career security requires ongoing effort and strategic planning.
A Proactive Approach to Career Security
Roberta Matuson concludes her post by underscoring the inadequacy of passive hope in the face of potential job insecurity. She advocates for a deliberate strategy to either reduce the likelihood of being impacted by layoffs or to prepare for an unplanned job search.
“Because hoping you will be safe is not a strategy.”
Matuson’s insights suggest that in today’s volatile business environment, professional success is increasingly tied not only to performance but also to strategic visibility, relationship-building, and the cultivation of an indispensable reputation within an organization.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Roberta Matuson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 31, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →