Safeguarding your career

I’ve seen many talented employees get laid off unexpectedly or struggle to reach the next level.

We often assume hard work and loyalty guarantee success.

But the reality of the workplace is more complex.

Here’s 10 truths:

1/ Loyalty won’t shield you from layoffs. Staying through tough times doesn’t always lead to rewards.

2/ Promotions aren’t purely about merit
The best talent isn’t always the one climbing the ladder.

3/ They’re watching you closer than you think.
Outcome of your ranking is often predetermined. Everything gets notice.

4/ Raises hinge on timing, not just effort.
Hard work helps, but knowing when to ask is key.

5/ Your ideas might not stay yours
Contributions and credit don’t always align.

6/ Weak leaders fear strong voices
Star performers can be perceived as a threat to insecure managers.

7/ Your weaknesses are on their radar
Flaws aren’t invisible, but they don’t define you.

8/ Burnout doesn’t earn admiration
Overworking is rarely rewarded with appreciation.

9/ Not everything you’re told is the full truth
↳ Critical updates might be filtered or withheld.

10/ You’re easier to replace than you think
No matter your contributions, roles refill fast.

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5 replies (most recent on top)

@b9+1jtdtmwpq sounds all too familiar. I wonder how many will read this and think it is about their team.

Having a team already fractured with a super that is not engaged hurts. Then add inner clicks and side conversations makes it difficult to have the work ethic you usually have. I agree on the pre ranking but I think my team has a ranking already set due to politics.

Truly standing out just alienates you from your coworkers and bosses. It is better to just keep your head down and make PowerPoint slides if you want a long career at Exxon.

I think this list is good, but is missing the most important point that holds 96% of employees back is the little discussed performance metric of Lack of Self Awareness.

This is the most important facet of you ranking but will never be discussed in your performance assessment feedback and review session.

Most managers and supervisors both consciously and unconsciously assess you on this most critical metric.

Do you have body odor?

Do you not brush your teeth and floss and not have food particles stuck in your mouth during the day?

Do you dress poorly and slovenly and not appropriately for the business environment?

Do you speak to fast and with accent so you make others struggle to understand your spoken word and you are asked to repeat yourself?

Do you remain silent in meetings and avoid speaking because you are hierarchical focused versus being independent thinker?

Do you speak too much in the wrong settings and / or do you not understand your audience?

Are you poorly groomed for the context of your work environment?

Do you create conflict with your coworkers on a somewhat frequent basis?

Do you show up late to meetings?

Are you looking at your cell phone in meetings?

Do you think you only should work 8hr 45min days as salaried employee?

Do you have many coffee breaks during the workday where you claim you are having team building discussions?

Probably can keep writing another dozen items but those whom have self awareness somewhat get the point, those whom don’t it doesn’t matter how much more is written.

“the longer you stay on the wrong train, the more expensive it is to get back home…” EM is not normal

Thread regarding ExxonMobil Corp. layoffs

Safeguarding your career

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