What is your focus when you go to work? Are you thinking "What can I give
today?" or "What can I get?" Both questions are important, however, the former
will get you further faster. It's that simple.
Often, when I am consulting with a company or team, the hew and cry is "The
company/ management does not do enough for me/us." This may certainly be true,
however, my first question is the opposite, 'What are you doing for the
company/management?'. That's the way the equation works best. You give and then
you get. Strangely, that's the way it works best in any relationship. Have you
noticed that?
What you pay attention to expands. If you are focused on what you think you
are not getting, that overshadows everything. Attitudes shift and conversations
turn into whining sessions. Soon, morale dips and everyone is complaining.
Often, the complaints have grown completely out of proportion and no one
remembers why they were attracted to the company in the first place.
You can change this. Be a 'value-added' employee. Build your strengths rather
than focusing on company weaknesses. What a concept! You choose your focus and
attitude. You choose how you use your time. You choose your perceptions and
perspectives. Use that power to become 'value-added'!
Now, I'm not talking about giving 'til it hurts. No, I'm talking about the
way you use your energy to focus on your career path. Sure, there are employers
who devour employees and spit them out spent, burned out and disillusioned. They
exist. If you're working for one of those...and examine it carefully to be
sure...move on.
I am talking about your choices to create the career you want. How do you
want to be seen in the workplace? How does your current position further your
progress towards your goals? Why did you choose it? What is your plan and how
can you best follow that blueprint in your present position? Be pro-active in
your own life.
How do you want to be seen in the workplace? As competent, confident and
valuable, or, as adequate, mediocre and expendable? Unless you are working for
Attila, the Hun, the way folks see you is mostly in your control. Good employees
come to work on time, do their tasks well, and cause few waves. Great employees
do all that and more. They are focused on the company's mission and vision. They
can be excellent team-players and excellent leaders when needed. They are clear
about their own purposes and visions and know why they have chosen to work where
they work. They care about others and help them to achieve their goals. They do
these things because it clearly moves them further along their career paths. It
is in their own best interest to do so. They have their 'eyes on the prize'.
Here are a few secrets. Many folks would rather complain about things than
fix them. By being a 'fixer', you are being 'value-added'. Many folks would
rather find fault than good. By catching people doing things well and commenting
on it, you are being 'value-added'. Many folks would rather see what they can
get away with than see what they can give. By giving just a little more than
expected, you honor yourself and you are being 'value-added'. Many folks would
rather feel 'done wrong' than state their needs and boundaries. By being clearly
communicating what you need and want, you are saving time and energy...and being
'value-added'.
Which side of these equations are you working from? Only one will get you
where you want to go...although you'll have much more company on the other. Your
choice!
