rising thru ranks & reigniting passion

✍ How can I secure a promotion this year?

Context: I know I’m ready to take the next step in my career because I have been working on some majorly important projects at my organization, taking on more work and operating at a higher level. I’ve been in my current role for 2+ years and folks who have less tenure and experience than me have gotten promoted. Is it me? Am I the problem? I work at a more established company, we have promotion guidelines (i meet them BTW!) and a relatively robust performance management process

  Patrick Young, People and Culture Director at Issue One: 

You may already be doing this, but one of the bigger mistakes I see people make when wanting a promotion is never being direct about it with their supervisor. While I wish every manager would think proactively about the professional development of their direct reports, sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle, and their recommendations for promotion either get sidetracked or come in too late for them to be considered. Have open and regular conversations with your supervisor about your desire, and make sure you keep them honest by asking if they agree with your assessment of things. They may be a little uncomfortable, but I rather have an uncomfortable convo versus the anger you might feel if you get passed over.  Be prepared to make your case, and if you get told, “Now is not the time,” don’t hesitate to respond, “Okay, so when is the best time?”. I don’t like kicking the can down the road with vague phrases. Make them give you a road map. Best of luck. You earned the right to have this convo!

  Rachel Ackerman, Director of People Operations at Barstool Sports: 

Agree with everything Patrick said. I also want to say that it’s ok to see what else is out there as that may be the strategic next step for you to land a role in the level and comp that you are looking for. If the org is not in a position to promote you at this time or unable to give you a timeline, don’t be afraid to look around.

✍ How do you find inspiration in this job?

Context: It’s a new year and i’m rethinking A LOT. Mostly about my path in HR because after the last few years I feel really burnt out and most of my days are spent being reactive NOT proactive. I feel like I’ve lost the spark of creativity to do this job and really need to find some inspiration in this new year. I work at a series C startup that is relatively innovative when it comes to our people practices

Cassandra Babilya, Sr. Communications Manager at Amazon: 

I’m so sorry you’re going through this–I too lost my spark of creativity and inspiration in 2023 and it was the first signs of my own burnout. What I can say is, there are ways to harness inspiration for more motivation. It may not make you fall back in love with your job, but it may take some of the dread out of it.

Here’s what I recommend to hack inspiration and motivation at work:

1. Preparation: Inspiration is more likely when it’s building on existing skill. Get good at something and celebrate the small wins.
2. Set the stage for spontaneity: You can’t will inspiration to strike, but you can set yourself up for it. When was the last time you experienced inspiration? Where were you? Who were you with? Go back to a location, or in the company of people, you find inspiring.
3. Openness: Be open to the experience so you notice inspiration when it comes to you.
4. Set 1-2 big goals: Break them down into many smaller, more manageable milestones. We’re more likely to be motivated to continue on when we can cross small achievements off our list.
5. Take inspiration breaks: Part of keeping the motivation going is to keep the inspiration going. Do something every day that could bring you inspiration. A 15-minute walk. Morning meditation or coffee ritual. Whatever clears and calms your mind.
6. Practice gratitude: For others and for yourself. Each day, note something you’re grateful for, excited about, and proud of.

I published an intention-setting and gratitude journal because of my own experiences battling burnout. If journaling is your thing, check out You Got This to say bye to burnout in 2024.

Rachel Ackerman, Director of People Operations at Barstool Sports:  

Networking!! I find so much inspiration in the community of People pros I’ve aligned with, like my friends in Safe Space. Talking through what’s going on in my world with folks who just get it and being able to bounce ideas off of them helps me tremendously.

With regards to the reactive vs proactive, I’ve fallen into this rut as well when I moved into my current role back in May. Now that I have my feet under me, I’m continuously working on developing plans to identify what the fire drills are and building the structure to support those fires proactively in the future. This is starting to open me back up to more strategic and fun projects that give me the internal spark to keep going.