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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The
Challenge Coin:
Have you received a challenge coin? A Military tradition, the practice is being adopted more widely these days. I have received a number of them to include from Medal of Honor recipients, Non-Profit Leaders, Police Officers, and happily, from several executives in my former company including Safety Leaders and Plant Managers.
To “be coined” by someone means they explained the meaning behind the coin and handed it to you, often in a handshake, as a recognition. Physical symbols are powerful and can help build a strong culture if used with respect. If you have an opportunity to create such coins, or give them to others, you will form an incredible bond. Look for your opportunity.
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Reputation
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| Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
Two people I am aware of preached this message: George S. Patton, legendary WW2 General and Martin Holford, the top manufacturing executive who I worked for as HR lead around 2002. Martin would often interrupt presenters that were caught up is some overly complex powerpoint and ask them, with a smile, to say what they meant and mean what they said. The issue was a demand for clarity, simplicity and getting to the point.
Make a habit of using as few words as possible to make your point and avoid jargon. You will be appreciated for it.
Bonus Point!
Use AI to assess your clarity when writing, but don’t let it take over. AI written documents are easily detectible.
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Results
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Know your business metaphors:
Do you know the Abilene Paradox? Developed by Jerry Harvey in 1974, it’s a powerful metaphor about group dynamics, the management of disagreement and going along to get along. If you hear someone say “We are on a trip to Abilene!” you may want to think twice about whatever it is you are doing.
There are hundreds of such important metaphors that can help you develop a strategic outlook on projects, initiatives, motives and outcomes. Find them. Study them.
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