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Are You a 'Value-Added' Employee?
© Rhoberta Shaler, PhD
www.SpeakingAboutWork.com
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!
© Rhoberta Shaler, PhD All rights reserved worldwide.
Rhoberta Shaler is the creator of The Consociate Way™: Promoting
Performance and Peace in Your Workplace. As a motivational keynote speaker
and corporate team builder focused on 'People Skills for Sustainable
Success', she works with individuals and organizations to improve
workplace relationships, build & strengthen teams, and manage conflict,
anger, and difficult people.
Her press kit and her latest book, Optimize Your Day! Quotes & Thoughts
for Optimal Living, are available at www.SpeakingAboutWork.com.
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