7 Insights Gained as a Human Resource Professional from the High Heat TV Mexican Crime Series

Bill Achola
6 min readFeb 3, 2024

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One of my pastimes involves indulging in movies, particularly those based on true stories, along with a penchant for action and thriller genres.

Initially, I wasn’t fond of using Netflix for my movie-watching escapades. However, during my annual leave, my wife, sensing my love for great movies, convinced me to give it a try.

One evening, post-dinner, I embarked on a quest to discover some cinematic gems. In the process, I stumbled upon a Mexican crime series titled “High Heat.”

Intrigued, I decided to delve into it.

In essence:

“High Heat” unfolds across 39 episodes, weaving a tale around a brother’s murder that propels him into the world of the fire brigade. There, he not only seeks to unravel the mystery but also encounters elements of romance, family dynamics, and a relentless serial killer.

Over the course of a week, with occasional interruptions, I absorbed the series.

As a Human Resource professional, I gleaned valuable insights that can significantly contribute to enhancing employee management within an organization.

Are you ready to uncover these tips?

Absolutely!

Let’s delve right in.

1. Foster Unity in Teamwork

What unfolds when a team member encounters a challenge, be it personal or work-related?

In such instances, the strength of a team is truly tested.

The ability to rally together with a shared objective not only fosters unity but also propels the team toward achieving its collective goals.

A compelling example of this teamwork emerged when Iván Amozurrutia known as Poncho Quirogoa, a member of the team, faced legal trouble after being accused of killing Leonardo, a police officer.

In a remarkable display of solidarity, Poncho’s teammates, including his father Captain Ricardo, Antonio Sotillo as Alejandro Molina, Daniel Gama as Gerardo, and Polo Morin as Julián, organized a gig at a nightclub to raise funds.

The purpose?

To secure Poncho’s release from jail.

Although Poncho’s release took a mysterious turn, the initiative to raise funds showcased an undeniable team spirit among the firefighters.

For team leads, cultivating a strong and supportive relationship with their teams is crucial.

Being present for both the highs and lows is paramount. Utilizing guides can further enhance communication and coordination within your team, ensuring that you are there for your team members in times of need.

2. Consider DEI in Your Organizational Framework

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have become pivotal considerations in today’s employment landscape.

Organizations are compelled to integrate DEI principles into their structure, particularly in the realms of hiring and supporting DEI initiatives.

Examining the dynamics of a firefighting team sheds light on the significance of DEI in action.

Within this team, there is a member, Gerardo, who identifies as gay. Initially grappling with self-acceptance, Gerardo found support and understanding after a conversation with Gloria.

Remarkably, the team, led by Captain Ricardo, treated him with equality and provided unwavering support during this personal journey.

This real-life scenario underscores the transformative impact of diversity on organizational performance.

Embracing diversity not only fosters a more inclusive environment but also cultivates unique perspectives and bolsters team cohesion.

To explore effective strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, organizations can leverage insights from resources such as Zavvy’s blog on the subject: 32 Ways to Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace

3. Information Is Power

The influence of information on your career cannot be overstated. In fact, it has the potential to either propel you forward or hold you back.

If you’ve ever been denied crucial information, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

In every sector, information plays a pivotal role. Drawing from my experience as a Human Resource Professional, let me illustrate its criticality in the HR industry.

Managing employee relations requires having accurate information to resolve issues and address grievances effectively.

When navigating conflicts, obtaining the right information is paramount.

Take, for instance, the situation between Esmeralda Pimentel known as Olivia Serrano, and Poncho, where trust issues arose regarding Leonora.

Olivia, skeptical of Leonora, engaged in persistent inquiry to uncover undisclosed information.

Simultaneously, Leonora delved deep into Olivia’s background, ultimately revealing her as the daughter of Hugo, the notorious Butcher of Reynosa.

This revelation conveyed to Poncho through a flash disk before Leonora’s demise, contained an investigative report unraveling the true identities of Olivia and Hugo.

Another instance highlighting the power of information is when Ángel exposed their boss’ secret identity, Captain Ricardo, to the fire brigade.

Ángel’s thorough investigation unveiled the masquerade, showcasing the potency of information in organizational dynamics.

Recognizing the significance of information, resources such as The Decision Lab’s reference guide on Informational Power can provide valuable insights.

As an HR professional, harnessing the power of information enables the development of effective communication programs, contributing to organizational success.

4. Enhance Your Job Performance

Persistent dwelling on past issues can significantly hinder your job performance as an employee.

To enhance your work performance or transition into a new role, it’s crucial to refrain from carrying personal concerns into your professional realm.

Consider the impact of Julián’s unresolved demons on his job performance, which not only jeopardized a co-worker’s safety but also hampered his ability to demonstrate leadership skills in an emergency response situation.

This lack of leadership during the initial rescue mission was noticed by Olivia, highlighting the consequences of allowing personal issues to cloud professional judgment.

If you aspire to elevate your job performance or carve out a successful career path, directing your focus towards assigned tasks is essential.

Avoiding the intrusion of personal issues into your professional responsibilities is a key strategy for achieving success in the workplace.

For additional insights on improving work performance, explore valuable resources like BetterUp’s blog post on the subject: 13 Ways To Improve Your Work Performance (with Examples

5. A True Leader Doesn’t Make Mistakes

Reconsider the above statement once more.

A proficient leader skilled in effective team management minimizes the likelihood of errors.

True leaders can be likened to paternal figures, ensuring the success of their teams with unwavering certainty.

Poncho’s perception of his father changed significantly during a mass accident marked by heightened emotions.

I was genuinely impressed by how Ricardo, the fire brigade captain, skillfully guided the team through the rescue mission despite his strained relationship with Angel.

Under Ricardo’s guidance, the team successfully handled the mass accident.

6. Be Honest

Allow me to share a crucial insight:

To thrive as an accomplished employee, sincerity with your team is indispensable.

Failing to be forthright may lead to an eventual revelation of the truth without your awareness, eroding the trust and respect of both your team and your leader.

I appreciate how Poncho openly communicated his criminal history to Leonora and his fire brigade team.

Even under considerable pressure, Ricardo managed to disclose his secret to his team.

In the end, the entire team continued to afford them the respect and affection they rightfully deserved.

No matter the intensity of the situation, honesty remains paramount.

7. Question It and Find Out

Refuse to settle for a simple “yes.”

Prioritize the practice of questioning and understanding the underlying reasons before proceeding — a principle commonly embraced by data teams.

As an employee, when presented with data or information, cultivate the habit of probing and asking the “why.”

This proactive approach serves to anticipate and address potential future issues.

For instance, Olivia consistently questioned Poncho about his unwavering adherence to Leonora’s advice, yet Poncho did not take Olivia seriously.

This guiding principle is equally pertinent when addressing employee issues.

In situations involving concerns from employees or clients, make it a routine to inquire, as this will enable you to uncover the authentic answers.

Final Thoughts

Those are the key takeaways from the lessons I gathered while watching the TV Mexican crime series.

If you implement these insights in your professional endeavors or within your organization, success is virtually guaranteed.

Have you had the opportunity to watch the Mexican series on TV? If not, you can find it on Netflix by following this Watch High Heat.

Feel free to share the lessons you’ve acquired in the comment section below.

Bill Achola, an experienced HR consultant, is dedicated to assisting small businesses and startups in attaining sustainable growth through his insightful blog on HR Loom. Connect with Bill Achola on LinkedIn for further updates and insights.

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Bill Achola
Bill Achola

Written by Bill Achola

Bill works with startups to build robust, compliant workplaces by providing expert guidance on people matters. Subscribe now @ BehindHRDoors.com/subscribe

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