Employees who know how to add value to their job tend to command higher salaries, more exciting projects, and better job opportunities. Companies value talent so much that they'll do everything possible to keep that person, even in the event of a recession, layoff, or merger.
When it comes to getting ahead in your career, many people share the all too familiar advice:
“You have to add value to your network.” But what does adding value really mean? How do you put it into practice every day at work? If you’re a hard worker, shouldn’t your work and years of experience speak for itself?
HERE ARE 8 SURE-FIRE WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR VALUE TO THE ORGANIZATION :
1. BE PART OF THE BOTTOM LINE;
If you want to be valuable to your company, then you need to help it make money. The company measures its ROI on you, so you should measure the ROI on yourself as well. Focus on the activities that use your time, skills, and resources most effectively to connect back to the bottom line.
2. REMEMBER THAT TIME IS MONEY;
Your most valuable commodity is your time spend it wisely. Don't invest eight hours in putting together a presentation when you can deliver the same results with less prep time. Management will value the content of your message, not a bunch of fluff and pretty artwork.
3. GET SMART ;
Too many people don't understand the basic operation of their companies. Familiarize yourself with the organizational chart and reporting structures. Study and understand the financials. You never know where your life may lead. Learn as much as you can along the way, even though what you're learning may not seem relevant at the time.
4. BE A CONFIDENT INNOVATOR ;
Even if you don’t have the authority to approve changes, recommend or propose solutions.
When you pitch your ideas to management, be prepared to defend your views and also to receive criticism. Management will challenge you simply to test your level of enthusiasm for the idea and its viability. There are a lot of variables to consider, and management wants to know you've thought about them. If you support your ideas with solid research and show some passion, management will be more likely to embrace your concept. Continue to build on your work value with our seminar class on developing "set up" skills.
5. KNOW WHICH RUNG ON THE LADDER IS RIGHT FOR YOU;
Do you want to be responsible for the success or failure of your company? If so, move up the ladder. Do you want to go home at five every day and forget about work until the next morning? Then moving up the ladder is not for you. The important thing is that you do your job to the best of your ability and that you are happy doing it.
6. SHUT UP AND LISTEN ;
If you don't know what you don't know, then seek out some experienced advice. A mentor can warn you about things you may never have considered and keep you from being blindsided by unforeseen events or costs. As difficult as it may be, admit to yourself that you don't know everything.
7. LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN E-COMMUNICATION AND REAL COMMUNICATION;
Communicating with people is an opportunity not only to transfer information but also to build relationships with them. In an age of electronic communication, our conversations are becoming increasingly impersonal. Effective employees must be able to interact with people and solve problems. If you can't interact with people directly, you have no value.
8. ADD SALES TO YOUR SKILLSET;
When it comes to promoting your firm, there is only one person on the sales team: you! Despite what your resume says, adding sales to your skillset is a must. Whenever you are trying to pitch a new idea to your company, you'll need a sales pitch that is convincing and sound. Moreover, if you are vying for a promotion or raise, you'll need to be prepared to pitch yourself. Be ready to defend your views and have answers to the tough questions. If someone disagrees with you, be ready to support your ideas with solid research and your own enthusiasm. You’ll soon persuade people to see things your way.
Culled from:
https://www.amanet.org/articles/fifteen-ways-to-show-your-value-at-work/