If you are a middle level manager, it doesn't do you a whole lot of good trying to figure out whether or not your company is a takeover candidate. Yes, by all means acknowledge your fears, but don't be paralyzed by them. Instead of spending all your time wringing your hands about what may happen, it is a far better use of your time to talk to others in your industry, to learn where the new jobs may be, or even go back to school. One way, of course, from getting downsized is to be well connected and, in the words of Willy Loman to be well liked. Their premise is simple.
Most people judge others in a matter of seconds.
It isn't fair, but it's a fact. In fact, their book is built around the concept that if life is going to give you lemons, not only should you make lemonade, but you might as well market the heck out of that lemonade. The authors proceed to tell you how to do it just through the way you act, talk, dress and behave. The book is slight and is prone to use the same example more than one time, but it does come with a money-back guarantee. Okay, you have figured out a way to get people to like you.