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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.
Read time: 3 min.
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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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Be the Work Sherpa:
It stinks to be the new guy or girl, but you can help make it easier on the next person in that situation by being a good work sherpa. If you notice someone in that awkward phase where they are new, trying to learn, being alone in certain situations, etc, be the one that reaches out and offers to explain and give the “really rallies".
This does require some generosity on your part: time and attention. If someone did this for you in the past, you can understand how important it is and pay it forward. The best work sherpa I ever had was a fellow army lieutenant who explained everything going on at the missile task force I was deployed to starting when he picked me up at the airport and then for weeks and months after. He made a more effective officer and also acquired a loyal friend. You do the same and eventually you will walk away with friends and a better work environment.
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Reputation |
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| Practice Small Acts of Kindnesses:
Small (and big) kindnesses you practice are the things you become known for. I knew a CEO that quietly gave inner city kids scholarships. I knew of another that made it a point to remember the names of as many employees as he could. A friend of mine keeps a stack of McDonalds gift certificates in her car to give to homeless people. None of the three did these things to cultivate approval, but they were known for them.
Find your own version of a small kindness and start practicing it consistently. You will be known for it.
Bonus Point!
Ask you favorite AI app for ideas on small kindnesses that make a difference.
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Results |
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Last Call for Goals!
Its the 2nd quarter and some people do not have goals locked in for the year (assuming a calendar year based fiscal year), either due to a slow cycle of approval from higher headquarters, an inattentive boss or even an organization that does not set goals.
Make it a point to set your goals in writing even they are just a draft. Put a draft in the corporate performance review tool if there is one. Even better: develop goals for your own learning, personal growth and health. Writing them down, especially with pen and paper, will help you manifest them. I wrote some goals down in 2014 and found them recently and realized they’d all been achieved, even the ones that relied heavily on others to accomplish. Go get ‘em.
Bonus Point!
Ask AI for suggestions on how to best manage personal goals. You’ll get some great ideas.
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