Hello Monday Motivators!
I hope your last weekend of March involved some fun! Many of you are probably on spring break with your kids or taking Easter vacation or just taking a break. If you feel like me and my staff, March was a whirlwind that flew past us. Every day was packed full with activity, decisions, working with clients, manipulating calendars; for me, traveling and speaking from the East Coast up to northern Utah!
While traveling gets old after awhile and is tiring, I love what I learn when I go on site into an organization. I see employees in action in their environments. I meet executives and have great discussions. Observing administrative professionals at work is one of my greatest moments. When I'm facilitating a full-day workshop for admins or executives about maximizing their assistant's time, I experience several aha moments. I've been doing this for 19 years and I never grow weary of learning, experiencing, and coming home feeling rewarded!
One thing I can tell you from recent trips is that the bar is being raised for all employees across the board. Organization are communicating that it is time to "step up your game" or you may not be in the game in months to come. I know this is hard on those of you who already contribute a great deal and truly are committed. Then we all know there are the slackers appearing to be doing work. But don't lose hope. As spring brings everything into bloom, this is your time to bloom. This spring, let your brightest colors show through (meaning all your talents) and be in full bloom.
Be a 'value added' employee
How much value would you say your work adds to the organization? Have you ever thought about it? Now more than ever, not only is every employee expected to pull his or her own weight, each person's work must add value to the organization. There are a number of ways to be what I call a 'value added' partner. Here are a few that can help you earn the rewards and recognition you deserve:
Boost productivity. If you can think of ways to streamline your job (or the work processes in a department, for example), it'll improve overall productivity. That means more can be accomplished in less time - and management is sure to appreciate that.
Make money. Is there a profitable opportunity that your employer is not currently taking advantage of? Whether you're a manager or an assistant, if you are familiar with your business, you can often see ways to make money - perhaps by paying attention to competitors or watching trends. Speak up, or prepare a brief describing your idea.
Profit-generating ideas are a sure-fire way to promote your value.
Save money. "A penny saved is a penny earned" applies to the workplace, as well. In what ways could you help save your employer money? Propose them.
Be proactive. Ultimately, the best way to demonstrate your value is to show you don't have to be asked to do something. You do it because it makes sense - because it helps the business and your co-workers!
Star Tip: Document your value-added efforts to ensure you reap the rewards over time. Share results with your leader as they occur, and then again at performance review time. Even if your organization has a salary freeze this year, keep doing your best. Trust me, it'll pay off!
Joan Burge
