In a recent episode of the CBS-TV sitcom, “How I Met Your Mother,” corporate survivor extraordinaire Barney Stinson counsels close friend and office colleague Marshall Eriksen that to avoid being laid off, he needs to fill a more popular workplace role at Goliath National Bank. He cited examples such as “Food Guy” (who always brings delicious treats to the conference room) or “Sports Guy” (the one who runs the office fantasy leagues).

Barney's point was that even if you don't work hard or perform some essential corporate function, if you make yourself personally invaluable–and fun–to your fellow staff members and managers, you are less likely to get canned.

On the other hand, he warned that those who make life difficult or at least unpleasant for everyone are more apt to get cut when push comes to shove.

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