Scenario 2:

Feeling exposed during times of change? Why keeping your head down and just focusing on the work can be a risky strategy.

What we find:

During times of stress and uncertainty it is common, even for senior level leaders, to become disengaged or frustrated. This often manifests itself in a number of behaviors/strategies:

Be a good soldier. “I’m just going to keep my head down, do what I’m told, and try to do good work.”
Disengage. “Nobody’s paying much attention and I’m not sure this whether this project I’m working on is still a priority, so I’m going to tread water and see what happens.”
Leave altogether. “Its time to update my resume.”

Unfortunately, while these coping mechanisms may seem like the safe course of action for you individually, you are missing significant opportunities to fulfill your career goals and increase your earning potential!

Have you considered:

What the organization and top decision makers need most to be successful?

Accurate and timely information about the people, teams, processes and projects across the organization – and most importantly how they inter-relate, leaders who can instill a sense of engagement and control in those around them

Who is in the best position to supply those things? YOU! Now is the time to step up, be visible, and have a plan for keeping the organization focused on your value by participating strategically in the changes happening around you. Make it your business to share what you know to help facilitate change. Doing so will ensure that key decision-makers know who you are and what you bring to the table. If you don’t tell them, who will?

If you’re in an area that’s vulnerable, have a plan and feel confident positioning your accomplishments (and even failures) positively. Reach out to your network to gain and share information in a way that positions you and your team as valuable, forward thinking, strategic resources that need to be retained.

Take Action:

Taken together, we refer to the activities above as Effective Brand Management