How to Create Value in Your Career
Around here, we tend to focus on what to do with our money – from regularly setting aside some of our income, to borrowing money wisely, to investing for the future.
But even if we’re all making those smart, wealth-building choices, we still need to create wealth in the first place. And that starts with our ability to create value.
So let’s dig into what this is all about.
Thinking in terms of your value
Whether you’re an entrepreneur starting a business, gainfully employed, or searching for a new job, there’s one simple mantra for success;
The more you give, the more you get.
Okay, yes, that does sound a little folksy, and no, it doesn’t always shake out perfectly. Sometimes you will certainly feel like you’re giving more than you’re getting. But in general it’s true. And on average, what you put into something is what you’re going to get out of it.
So if you want to get more out of work or life, then you need to be thinking about the value you’re creating. What are YOU bringing to the table?
This obviously starts with meeting your assumed responsibilities. Be on time. Get your work done. Don’t be a pain in the butt to work with. All of that good stuff is essential.
But it also goes beyond that. Do you seek out creative solutions to problems? Do you help others do their jobs better? What unique skills and abilities do you bring to your role? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself.
And to be clear, personal value is not synonymous with money.
There are a lot of ways to bring value to your world that don’t result in direct monetary gain, and you should absolutely pursue them. But the reality is, money is the conventional (and most convenient) way to recognize and compensate value in the workplace. So for better or worse, it plays an important role in how we operate and transact.
Focus on achievement and leverage your strengths
Employers and customers alike want to deal with people who can get things done and do them well. So use your strengths to your advantage.
We’re often told to work on our weaknesses, which can be helpful, especially if you feel particularly lacking in a critical area.
But you’ll actually get more bang for your buck by concentrating on your strengths and leveraging them as much as possible. Doesn’t it feel great when you can do something really well? You want to apply that feeling to your career too. Build on your natural talents and hone them further.
You also want to be goal-oriented and always on the lookout for ways to improve how and what you deliver. But keep an eye on efficiency too. If doing one thing slightly better sucks up a lot of your time, it may not be worth it. Be efficient in how you achieve.
And be sure to get feedback from those around you – both positive AND negative – I heard those groans. Yes, negative feedback is beneficial too, probably more beneficial actually. You may feel like you’re succeeding (and you probably are) but without objective, constructive feedback, it can be hard to really know. And if you want to take your skills to the next level, you’re going to need it. Most jobs will include some form of feedback as part of regular performance reviews, but if yours doesn’t, be proactive and request it.
Seek out opportunities for personal growth
As if all of this wasn’t enough, you also need to be thinking about how to increase your value over time. We know, it’s a lot. And you don’t need to do all of this stuff on day one. But it’s good to be aware of how you can improve and grow.
Here are a few suggestions to get the mental juices flowing.
Take on more responsibility
Probably the best way to foster personal development is through experience. So actively seek out new and challenging responsibilities. When appropriate, ask your boss for more difficult tasks. And take advantage of the right opportunities that come your way.
You don’t necessarily need to say yes to everything, but you don’t want to squander opportunities either. So be thoughtful with your choices and be grateful for the chances. And be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. That’s where the real growth happens.
Also keep in mind, your newfound responsibilities might not come with a higher paycheck immediately. But you’ll be building out your skills and becoming a more valued member of the team. And eventually that will translate into good things.
Get more education or training
While more education doesn’t automatically translate into value creation, it usually doesn’t hurt. And in some cases it’s essential for getting to the next level.
This can range from getting a full-time or part-time graduate degree, to taking online courses and attending seminars, or even on-the-job training.
Some industries also offer certifications and designations to demonstrate levels of proficiency in particular areas. And some employers will even pay for your education and training, or part of it, which is a great deal if you can score it. So ask your manager and see what’s available.
Long story short, your options for career development are nearly endless as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort.
Adopt a mentor
Another great way to grow is to seek out inspiring people you want to be like and learn from them directly. They might work at your organization or in your industry, or maybe they don’t. You can still learn a lot from someone even if they haven’t walked the exact same path, and it’s usually good to get different perspectives.
But remember, people are busy and have limited time. So be gracious and appreciative of any support you get. No one owes you anything. Make people WANT to help you.
Finding purpose
Ultimately, creating value is really about finding purpose in what you do. Yes, the money is obviously important – who doesn’t like getting paid more? But when you’re creating value, working hard, and making other peoples’ lives better, you’ll find a lot more satisfaction and purpose in your own life. And that’s something you can’t put a price on.
So get to it and get back to what you do best!
Want more?
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