Observe, listen and add value at your workplace
WHAT do we get paid for at work? Quite simply, for our skills and knowledge.
Pick any number for a monthly salary — RM3,000, RM5,000 or RM10,000. The amount you get paid is directly proportionate to the perceived value of your skills and knowledge. Consequently, if you want more money, increase your value. It is a fairly rudimentary formula. But like most things in life, the simplest formulas are often the most effective.
And remind yourself that you become valuable only when you add value.
It is expected that you do what is listed in your job description and that you meet your key result areas. This is very important for you to get right. But what you do over and beyond what is expected, those are the value-added contributions that will bring you exceptional personal results.
When your value-added contributions produce quantifiable results for your company, help make a better workplace and add to profitability or long-term sustainability; you increase your personal value. And you become motivated when you become valuable.
To value add, begin by observing and listening.
When you take the time to observe and listen to your surroundings and interactions, you will learn a great deal about the company you work for, the people you work with, as well as yourself.
Your observations will help you focus on what you need to do to further enhance, re-learn and develop professionally. All my successes as an executive leadership coach only came after I learnt the art of observing and listening.
Observe and listen to how your bosses react and respond to various situations. Through these observations you will be able to determine how best to approach them, when best to approach them, and predict some of the outcomes of your interactions, that will in turn help you further your cause.
Listen with the intention to understand. Listen without the need to influence or show them how smart you are. Ask clarifying questions with the aim of learning.
Why? Because when you listen without preconceived notions, it is more likely that you will actually “hear” what they are saying. If you learn this art, you will find yourself equipped with a useful body of knowledge that will make you “promotable”.
Invest time to read and gather new information. The acquisition of knowledge has never been easier. The multitude of resources that we have at a click of a button need to be put to good use.
Pick books, magazines, online resources and so on, which resonate with your needs at the workplace. Read to learn, and learn to apply.
Remember that knowledge is not power; applied knowledge is.
Next, choose a role model and choose wisely. Model yourself on people who will help you become the best version of yourself.
The best way to do this is to first identify the negative characteristics that you have, that you want to eradicate. List them down and be clear why you don’t want these habits.
Next, identify what positive traits you would like to inculcate. Again, list them down and once more, be clear why you want these habits. Now, identify someone who has these qualities, and use them as a role model.
You are on your way towards adding value because when you emulate them, you are likely to achieve the results they get.
When I travel around the world, the thing that astounds me most is when I see a person who does a seemingly simple job but takes immense pride in what they do.
Be it the public bus driver in Perth, Australia, who is immaculately dressed in a short-sleeved shirt, short pants, but sports a spiffing tie; or the briyani vendor in Chennai, India, who prepares his rice and chicken dish at a busy street-side intersection but with the intensity of a three-Michelin star chef; I learn how to add value from such people, because they show me how they truly care about what they do.
Your work will be average at best if you don’t really care about the outcome. The goals that you set for yourself will only be met if you care about the outcome. Similarly, your work will only produce real results if you are connected with the outcome.
When you connect with the reality that your work supports your lifestyle goals, and the personal growth you want is fuelled by the work that you do, then it becomes easier for you to care about what you do.
I love the freedom I have: the freedom to travel, the freedom to enjoy some of the finer things in life, and the freedom from debt. I also recognise and connect with the fact this freedom comes only if I care about my work. My vocation pays for my freedom.
You must realise that life is a series of tradeoffs.
The key is to create and deliver as much value as you can. And for that you must care immensely about what you do.
As you do this consistently, your motivation will be sustained.
When you take the time to observe and listen to your surroundings and interactions, you will learn a great deal about the company you work for, the people you work with, as well as yourself.