One of my greatest professional honors since 2014 has been serving as an Adjunct Faculty member in the KEY Executive Leadership Program at American University—a program dedicated to developing senior-level public sector leaders. I deeply admire these leaders for the depth and breadth of their mission-driven dedication to people in general, and to our country in particular.
Lately, I’ve been walking around both heartbroken and filled with rage over how these dedicated public servants are being treated. I’m not saying that efficiency and fraud prevention aren’t important. But I am saying this: entire agencies that cost taxpayers nothing—and in fact generate revenue—are being eliminated. And the worst part is how it’s being done: with intentional cruelty, malice, and misinformation.
In response, I’ve been offering pro-bono executive coaching to several individuals who are in varying states of shock. One resource I’ve shared that people have found helpful is Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career by Laurie Ruettimann.
Below are a few insights from the book that I’ve found particularly valuable, widely applicable, and polarity-friendly:
Leverage Multiple Identities Professional And Personal
Decouple your self-worth from your job title. Don’t over-identify with your role—easier said than done, but essential. In a world where job security is no longer a given, adaptability requires continuous evolution of roles and skills. Use tools like the “premortem” to anticipate challenges and plan ahead.
Leverage What You Know And What You Want to Learn
Lifelong learning isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. Developing new skills and knowledge beyond your current role is key to staying resilient and adaptable in a changing world.
Leverage Short-term Thoughtfulness And Long-term Strategy
Don’t let fear drive impulsive decisions. Instead, take a breath, put on your strategy hat, and reconnect with your core values and long-term aspirations. Thoughtful realignment is more powerful than reactionary change.
