In many industries of work, you may come across that manager or co-worker that utters the phrase "keep your head down and do your job." This phrase has been passed down through generations, so it should be explored to test its relevance in today's dynamic workplace. To do that, let's explore “both sides” of this concept — the agree and dissent positions — and how it might impact our mental health and overall well-being.
The Agree Position
The idea of keeping your head down and focusing solely on your work can result in stability and security. It may reduce workplace drama and allow for consistent productivity. You ‘stay off the radar’ when other people are having bad days or when the workplace has bad results.
Strategies you can consider to support this mindset include:
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life
Be on-time and dependable when you are expected to be at work
Don’t overextend yourself to ‘make friends’ with coworkers where boundaries become blurred
Focus on personal productivity metrics
However you are being measured, ensure you keep track of those metrics
If the metrics get changed, realign your actions to meeting those metrics
Avoid office politics and gossip
An extension of the boundaries discussion, be like William Burr and “don’t let them know what you are for or what you’re against”
Realize that being part of the rumor mill is one of the, if not the, fastest ways to get onto the radar
Consistently meet deadlines and expectations
An extension of the metrics topic, know when your deadlines are and have a dependable system to deliver ‘on time’
Develop a reputation of having a strong work ethic
When you do the items above, it gets noticed and you may even become the ‘role model’ that managers use when handling personnel issues
There’s only so much you can do on your own to maintain this mindset, where a personal coach could help you further explore career goals within and beyond your current role - as well as brainstorming ways you can navigate workplace challenges quietly.
The Dissenting Position
Progressive thinkers argue that ‘keeping your head down’ can lead to missed opportunities, stunted career growth, and even burnout. Particularly supportive of this viewpoint, consider today's work environments, which often require collaboration - and keeping your head down might be counterproductive to the overall team goals.
Therefore you may need strategies that support rejecting this mindset, which include how you:
Actively network within your organization
You must ‘keep your head up’ to be aware of networking opportunities
To build trust, many people expect some level of sharing, and at times sharing your opinion on a topic that has multiple potential paths
Seek out leadership opportunities
When you have your head down, you may be passed over for promotions
Propose innovative ideas and solutions
If you have good ideas — put them out into the workplace — you will have a higher feeling of purpose, satisfaction, and fulfillment in your role when you feel you are contributing your skills directly to problem solving
One noteworthy downside is when your ideas are good, it can make you a mark for jealous coworkers
Advocate for yourself and your accomplishments
Keep a log of your [over]achievements, bring them up in meetings with your boss
When opportunities arise for special projects, volunteer and use your track record as a reason you should be considered
Engaging in continuous learning and skill development
Find ways to apply your learning in a way that differentiates you from your peers and you stand out in the crowd
A personal coach could further help guide you to build relationships with key stakeholders, encourage you to speak up in meetings, share your ideas, and help you identify opportunities for growth within your organization.
The Mental Health Perspective
From a mental health standpoint, the impact of "keeping your head down" depends greatly based on many factors, not the least being the work environment. For some, keeping the head down may provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. For others, it could lead to feelings of stagnation, underappreciation, or even depression.
It's crucial to consider how each approach aligns with your personal values, career goals, and overall well-being. Some quick litmus tests are to run through the following questions and then reflect on which mindset might be best for you currently:
Does this mindset energize me or drain me?
Am I sacrificing growth in exchange for job security? (Do I really have job security?)
How does this approach affect my sense of purpose and fulfillment at work?
Finding Balance
As with many topics we explore here on this substack, we will explore whether the key lies in finding a balance. Perhaps a balanced modern interpretation of “keep your head down and do your job” could be: "Focus on your responsibilities, but don't be afraid to look up and engage when opportunities arise."
Ultimately, you know you best. The best approach will depend on your individual circumstances, personality, and career goals. Hopefully this post causes you to take pause and assess your own stance. It's important that your work approach aligns with your overall wellness and mental health needs.
What's your take on this advice? Have you found success by keeping your head down, or has a more engaged approach worked better for you? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insight could be invaluable to others navigating their career paths.