Ask the Expert Randy Prange is a business advisor and CEO of Insights, Inc., a nationally recognized strategic planning and business development firm. Job Security Q: There is currently a substantial layoff in our company and my boss was promoted, put in charge of both the marketing and business development departments. I would like to propose to her a new and expanded job for myself, but doing so will highlight the fact that I can help her cut other people whose job I can do. How do I offer myself as a candidate for a new position before I know exactly what positions she will create or whom she will cut? I don't want to wait, or she make the decisions anyway. On the other hand, I want to be useful to her as well as myself. Should I have an interview with her first to ask her all the right questions and then suggest a follow-up, formal interview where I present myself as a candidate? Kirsten A: I think you already have a good plan in mind. It is always advisable to manage your career from a position of strength and informed insight. Develop as much background as you can before you make a proposal. If your manager is willing to review her plans or ideas with you, so much the better for you building a recommendation that will meet with her approval and provide growth and opportunity for you and your company. Do not be concerned with advising your manager about positions that you might eliminate. She will already have a good grasp of who is performing and who is not. Even if your new position encompasses other's current jobs, if they are good performers, it is most likely that the company will find something else for them. Also consider researching how other companies conduct their business. Perhaps you will find additional solutions that will further enhance your value and worth to your manager and the company. Good luck! Also see: Ask Randy your questions Read recently answered questions Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual. The information provided is based on personal observations and experiences of the writer that have been garnered over years as a business manager, owner and executive business coach and counselor.