Promotable and Fireproof
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.
|
|
|
|
Steve Degnan here, Advisor Board Member
and former Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
Relationships, Reputation and Results
are what I see as the driving forces in becoming
Promotable and Fireproof.
Let’s dig in to some quick take advice to make this real.
I’m glad you’re here. Let’s go!
Learn more on SteveDegnan.com |
|
|
|
Relationships: Avoid Isolation |
|
For those seeking advancement, isolation is the worst possible scenario. Mentoring, coaching, teaching, learning, and being seen are best done in person. Combine that with the mental health effects of prolonged isolation, and it’s a recipe for disaster.
If you seek to advance, seek to be around others physically. In my experience, those arguing loudly for remote work often are mid-career types with demanding family obligations. Fair enough. Others, even those with children, may decide that being in person better fits their work style and desire to be seen.
Bonus Point!
Right now, AI is not a visible person or even a robot. You have an advantage.
|
|
|
Reputation: Practice Gratitude |
|
Being grateful for all the conveniences of modern life is a great way to level set your day. Add in some thank you’s and messages of appreciation to others along the way? Even better, and what a wonderful thing to be known for.
I got better at this later in my career and I wish I had done it more intentionally early on. Gratitude Expert: Sister Mary Catherine Dunn is a nun with whom I served on the board of Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA). Getting one of her phone calls or voice mails after volunteering or making a donation is, in a word, spectacular. She will make you feel like you are saving the planet (which, you really are by supporting GASA). Sister Mary Catherine is a Gratitude Champion. Be like her.
|
|
|
Results: Embrace Measurement |
|
You may think in our times of automation that almost everything is already score-carded and measured. Not so much. The big functions do it well: Sales, Finance, Manufacturing. There are many functions where jobs have always been done and never really measured. Some of these are support roles, some are “in-between” functions, and if they are done reliably no one cares to measure them.
The problem comes when times get tough, cutbacks are eminent, and it becomes impossible to justify the existence of certain roles. If you are in an unmeasured role or department, start thinking about measuring outcomes. The day may come when you will need to explain yourself and you will be ready, unlike this guy.
|
|
|
Your Quick Take Clip! |
|
|
Keep moving forward. Don’t isolate. Be grateful.
And measure yourself.
Do these things and you’ll be prepared for the good, the bad, and all the in-between. Your way to remain promotable and fireproof!
Before and After LayOffs - Part 1 |
|
|
|
|
#ThatsWhatSteveSaid
"Without leadership alignment—one of the strongest predictors of transformation success—even well-designed initiatives struggle to gain traction. For HR, this underscores the importance of influencing upward—not just supporting employees. Ensuring leaders are aligned, equipped and accountable is essential to sustaining momentum.”
Steve’s take on the importance of leadership alignment in times of transformational change. While most conversations during change tend to focus on employees, a critical component often overlooked, is senior leadership.
Read more here!
|
|
Until next week!
Steve
|
|
Click HERE to follow my social channels.
Please like and share with your family and friends. |
|
|
