Defensive Driving For Your Career - Stay SaaSy

The post argues that getting recognized and rewarded at work is not automatic, so people need to make their value visible, correct lies about their work, and keep enough leverage to protect their careers. It also says leaders should reduce the need for this kind of defensive behavior by setting clear standards, handling dishonesty firmly, and talking openly about career paths.

Reading notes

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• Make a few important public updates that your organization will actually notice, because many people judge performance from what they hear directly.
• The person doing the work often has to deliver the update themselves, since others may not connect the achievement to them.
• Push back when someone lies about your work, your statements, or your alignment, and correct the record publicly when needed.
• Be careful around people who read your success as luck, since they may resent you or try to undermine you.
• Protect title and compensation when jealousy seems likely, and prefer ambitious people with a strong sense of control.
• Keep leverage by staying good at your job, knowing your market value, building your network, and making it clear that you have options.
• Taking an interview now and then can help keep confidence high.
• Leaders should define what success looks like for each role, monitor it directly, treat lying about others as a serious issue, and have candid conversations about career satisfaction and mobility.