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The Promotable and Fireproof Newsletter
Your source for quick, actionable advice on maximizing your potential in the age of fast change, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and uncertainty.
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Promotable and Fireproof
Steve Degnan here, Advisor Board Member and former Chief Human Resources (HR) Officer.
Relationships, Reputation and Results
are the main ingredients to career success,
and what I see as the driving forces in becoming
Promotable and Fireproof.
Together let's dig in to some quick take advice to make this real.
I’m glad you’re here. Let’s go!
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Relationships |
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Increase your Enthusiasm!
If you are already bouncing off the walls, this recommendation may not be for you, but that’s not where most of us live, especially at work! Look to notch up your enthusiasm just 10% for starters.
How? Develop some positive expressions such as: “I can do that, no problem!”, “Why not - let’s try it!”, Or “Let me get after that and come back to you!” If you want to start with the basics, smile more and try to smile all day as much as you can.
The experts tell us that forcing yourself to smile when you are in a bad mood can actually lift your spirits. Further, you will naturally attract positive attention, especially from the bosses, if you are seen as a naturally enthusiastic team mate.
Bonus Point!
AI can only fake enthusiasm and must be prompted to do so. You as a human being have a natural advantage over any automated agent in this regard. Be enthusiastic without prompting!
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Reputation |
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Monitor and Update your Wardrobe:
Aspire to be above average in the way you dress while at work and among your co-workers, even if it’s on zoom and only your upper torso is on display. Sadly, you ARE judged on appearance, and clothing is an easy way to make the the most of your assets.
You don’t have to be the best dressed all the time - just above the average for whatever group you are part of. No one wants to see a middle aged dude wearing a sports coat that last fit properly in high school, or anyone in yoga pants that isn’t a fitness celebrity. Think about it. Reconsidering wardrobe is great way to enhance your reputation.
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Results |
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Know the Upstream and Downstream Parts of your Job:
That means what departments, processes or people provide the components or things you need to do yours, and conversely, understand who the internal customers are for anything you are delivering that may not get directly to an external customer.
People screw up when they start to optimize just for their own area. Think about a chef that gets so caught up in creating the perfect dish that the food takes too long to prepare to make any customer happy. In big companies people tend to optimize for their own department - be sure to stick your head out of the gopher hole so you know how what you do is shaped and viewed by those around you.
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