"There is no such thing as job security in the post-recession economy. ... Here are a few tips to help you stay on the good side of the ledger."

Note that these are not "how to excel" or "how to advance" but simply "how to not get fired." I'm not including all of them, just a sampling.

• Be the first one in the office and the last one out.
  
• Find ways to cut costs.
  
• Find ways to bring in money -- sign a new client or develop a new product or service.
  
• Take on important projects to make yourself harder to fire.
  
• Keep pictures of your family on your desk, and take an interest in your boss's family.
  
• Only take sick or personal days when you absolutely need to.
  
• Take on the tasks no one else wants.
  
• Coordinate fun events for your co-workers.

From Office Pro magazine, July 2011