Always keep learning. Become savvy. Don’t be nosy. And rememb er to look up. Career success isn’t found in the gopher hole!

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: Develop Organizational Savvy

Knowing who is who, the power dynamics of the company, the actual org. chart vs. the informal org. chart, the unwritten rules of the culture, and the best timing for certain activities are but a few parts of this term, organizational savvy.

Think of it as EQ applied broadly beyond just the people around you. It should grow naturally as you progress, especially if you stay in one organization. You can speed it up by learning to study the org. charts outside of your area, paying attention to key communications, listening to the comments your boss makes about current happenings, and asking people you trust for their opinions. Stick your head up out of the gopher hole. Look around.

Bonus Point!

AI cannot, at this moment, have org. savvy.

You can.

Reputation: Avoid Mrs. Kravitz

If you don’t know your 1960’s TV characters, Mrs. Kravitz was the nosy next door neighbor on Bewitched. Every organization has these types and some of them can be very entertaining. They can pull you in with their seemingly privileged knowledge.

The issue you run into is that everything you tell them will be told to someone else. Cut them out of your circle, but of course, be polite.

Results: Get Certified.

What new skill are you working on? Hard skills are getting harder and whether its AI or just the next step in your functional evolution inside your organization, you should always sign up for professional education or certifications in today’s world. Life is moving fast. If you do not constantly look ahead and prepare, yep, you could indeed miss it!

Your Quick Take Clip!

Become savvy. Don’t be nosy. And remember to look up. Do these things and you’ll remain promotable and fireproof in light of mergers, acquisitions and major business transformations. Always keep learning!