Not the fire fighter

The fire fighter is always a hero - someone who is called in for an organization emergency and goes about applying all the multi dimensional skills that has helped create the legend. If the problem is not solved, the fire fighter still has tried everything. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain for this prodigious talent who climbs up the charts quickly. And deservedly so.

So who looks at the one who has prevented a fire in the first place? It takes a special manager to spot one. Because these dependable folks usually operate in stealth mode. They anticipate problems and take proactive decisions - in other words they know what they are doing. Why then does the fire fighter get more claps? Because everyone can see a fire.

Take some time to communicate your 'fire prevention' decisions to stakeholders. Explain your rationale and allow them to take that prevention journey with you. And you will start hearing the claps and they will get louder. Perhaps more deservedly so if one still believes in the adage - prevention is better than cure.

Look around you for colleagues who would fit this description. Give them a silent acknowledgement in your way. Or you could do what I do - raise your eyebrows and smile.