4 Ways To be Highly Valuable At Work

“It is much more valuable to look for the strength in others. You can gain nothing by criticizing their imperfections.” ― Daisaku Ikeda

“The world pays no attention to those who have nothing to offer” ― Bernard Kelvin Clive

Manchester City has won the English Premier League for the 2022/23 season (yet again).

It is their 3rd win in a row, and 5th in the last 6 seasons. Utter dominance.

As an Arsenal fan I am sad we couldn't sustain our title charge throughout this season, eventually falling off and coming 2nd. However I doff my hat to the champions.

Now imagine being the back-up goalkeeper of Manchester City - a very necessary position.

While you would be happy about your team's success, it is possible you would not play an entire season as long as the first team keeper stays healthy!

Luckily for the backup keeper Ortega, in the final few games, the Manchester City coach rewarded his dedication and gave him a chance to play in a couple of matches so he could share in the season's success.

Why?

People want to be a part of something successful.

However people ALSO want to contribute to something successful.

If you are like most people, you also share this desire.

However most times you need to earn the chance to contribute.

You need to show you deserve to even be part of the team in the first place.

Ortega must have shown up to training everyday with the same enthusiasm and desire from the 1st day of the season until when he got a chance to play.

Here are 4 ways you can contribute and be of value at work, or in any group:

1: Question the Status Quo 

Every team has a way of doing things.

It is okay to ask "why". If you understand why, you can either accept it or suggest a change if it does not make sense.

Even if your point is not followed, the fact that you can think will not go unnoticed.

2: Be a Team Player

You are part of a team with shared goals.

It is not okay to focus only on your tasks. You need to see the big picture of how everything interconnects.

Don't focus on the weaknesses of others but rather help them amplify their strengths.

Help others where necessary to also make progress on theirs.

The job is not done until everyone is done.

3: Be Reliable

Show up everyday. It is the least you can do.

Let those who work with you come to trust that when you say you will do something, it gets done.

And if you agree to something, you will hold up to your end of the bargain.

No excuses. At key moments, this quality of yours will be remembered and depended upon.

4: Contribute Your Opinion 

Find your voice.

Don't be afraid to share your point of view, politely disagree with consensus, or ask for further clarification.

Worst case, you get a no. Best case, you get engagement.

In future decisions, your opinion will be sought.

In Conclusion

These 4 principles apply whether you are a founder or an employee, a manager or a team member.

We all need to grow as the organization grows, remain relevant and a valuable contributor.

You will notice that these are not technical skills, but rather soft skills.

They apply to everyone.

Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:

1. Do you have any specific personal or career development challenges? Send me a message. I'd like to learn more about it and see how I can help.

2. Follow me on Twitter & LInkedin, and subscribe to this newsletter to continue receiving relevant strategies to grow your business and career, and achieve the life of your dreams.