Are You a Firefighter, Builder, or Ignored at Work?
Understanding These Three Roles Could Be the Key to Advancing Your Career
There are certain people who are truly indispensable at work.
They’re the last to be laid off, the first to be promoted, and the ones trusted with the most interesting and impactful assignments. If you’re reading this post, I’ll assume you want to join this group—or strengthen your position within it. If not, feel free to skip this article.
To become indispensable, it’s essential to focus on how you’re perceived. Are you a firefighter, someone who tackles urgent problems head-on? Or a builder, creating long-term value and solutions? Because here’s the truth: everyone hates to be ignored.
Defining Firefighters, Builders, and the Ignored
Firefighter:
Definition: Someone who solves urgent problems and handles crises.
Strengths: Highly visible, critical in moments of need, willing to deal with headaches.
Potential downsides: Reactive rather than proactive.
Builder:
Definition: Someone who focuses on long-term growth, creating systems, and building value for the future.
Strengths: Strategic, forward-thinking, aligned with organizational goals.
Potential downsides: Work may not get immediate recognition.
Ignored:
Definition: Someone whose contributions are not impactful or recognized.
Challenges: Overlooked by leadership, stagnant in career progression.
Why it happens: Lack of visibility, alignment, or contribution to key outcomes.
Why These Roles Matter
Leaders in every company around the world are looking for one thing: useful people.
Firefighters and Builders are among the most useful people in any organization. They stand out because they can be trusted to either solve critical problems in a crisis or build the systems and solutions that create a brighter future for the company. Because of this, they often reap the rewards—whether it’s building their reputation, earning trust from leadership, or securing promotions and opportunities.
One of my favorite writers, Molly Graham, perfectly captures why usefulness is so highly valued in companies:
“There are many moments in your career, particularly early on, when it’s tempting to focus on things like your title, being the person that gives the big presentation, or getting the credit for the project. One of the most important lessons I have learned over and over again is that the greatest thing you can do for your career is to be the person that everyone in the room knows they can rely on to get things done.”
Graham’s insight highlights the core truth: usefulness isn’t just about being busy; it’s about being dependable, effective, and trusted. That’s why the roles of firefighter and builder are so powerful—they align with what leaders value most.
Identifying and Shaping Your Workplace Role
The first step to becoming indispensable is understanding your current role. Are you a firefighter, a builder, or perhaps being overlooked? Identifying where you stand is key to shaping how you’re perceived—and ultimately, to advancing your career.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Role
Ask yourself these questions:
Are you frequently called upon to handle urgent problems or crises? (Firefighter)
Do you spend your time planning, creating, or building systems for the future? (Builder)
Are your efforts often unnoticed, or do you feel your contributions lack impact? (Ignored)
Take a moment to reflect on how your time is spent and how others perceive your contributions. Be honest—self-awareness is critical.
Step 2: Transition to a Firefighter or Builder
If you feel stuck in the “ignored” category or you want to transition from firefighter to builder, here are practical steps to shift you role:
If You Want to Be Known as a Firefighter:
Volunteer for Problems: Offer to tackle challenges that others shy away from, especially high-visibility ones.
Be Proactive: Anticipate issues before they escalate and address them head-on.
Take It Off Email: If you see a critical situation with an ever-growing number of emails in the thread, set a meeting with the team, take notes, and drive actions through to resolution of the issue.
If You Want to Be Known as a Builder:
Identify Opportunities: Look for gaps in processes, systems, or long-term planning that you can address.
Focus on Strategic Goals: Align your work with the company’s larger objectives and help your team connect their work to the company’s goals.
Share Your Vision: Setup 1:1s with leaders to understand their vision for the future and then follow up with another meeting to share what you’re building and how to connects to their vision.
If You’re Balancing Both Roles:
Prioritize Wisely: Allocate time for immediate problem-solving and long-term projects.
Communicate Your Dual Impact: Highlight both your ability to solve problems and your strategic contributions.
Step 3: Build Your Reputation
No matter your role, being indispensable requires more than just doing the work. It’s about how you position yourself:
Be Reliable: Build trust by consistently delivering on promises.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input to ensure your efforts align with leadership expectations.
Stay Visible: Share your successes in team meetings, reports, or one-on-one check-ins with your manager.
Take Control of Your Career
The most successful professionals I’ve worked with share one key trait: a healthy self-awareness of their working style, how they’re perceived within the company, and the deliberate actions they take to build their reputation.
To take your career to the next level, be bold. Set up a 1:1 meeting with your boss and share the Firefighter, Builder, Ignored framework. Ask for their perspective: How do they see your strengths? What areas should you focus on to grow? And most importantly, what would be most valuable for the company during this season?
You have the power to lay the foundation for a raise, a promotion, or a stronger reputation. It starts with knowing yourself and identifying where you uniquely add value.
Don’t overthink it. Use the Firefighter, Builder, Ignored framework to guide your next steps and take intentional action.
Becoming indispensable isn’t about luck—it’s about clarity, effort, and aligning your strengths with what matters most.
Looking to apply the framework?
Partner with me for 1:1 coaching to create a personalized action plan tailored to your unique career journey. Whether you need help with resumes, interview prep, or long-term career strategy, I offer confidential guidance and accountability. As a seasoned professional with experience at Fortune 500s, startups, and PE-backed companies, I’ve been where you are—and I can help you get where you want to be.