This is going to be the first of a two part series about how to add value to other people’s lives. This first article will deal with adding value to the lives of other individuals around us like our friends and family while the second part will deal with how to add value to an organization and make yourself indispensable. There are several things you can begin to do to add value everywhere you go but I will touch on three:
- Become Inquisitive: Question everything to gain a better understanding and perspective. If you are new in a company, you should ask questions like; ‘what is our current market, Who else can we serve?’ When you ask questions, you become more knowledgeable. People always want the most knowledgeable person in the room when they make decisions. You become the person who understands the purpose of things by asking the right questions. This automatically makes you, the ‘go-to-person’. You don’t have to be part of management to add value at work. You just need to commit to always find a better way. Find a better way to do things at work, at home, etc. Eventually you will rank among the most knowledgeable people in the room.
- Become A Connector: Every party has someone who is the life of the party. They seem to know everyone. Even those they do not know previously, they walk up to them and strike up a conversation. They go on and introduce people then move on to the next guests. That is how connectors work in a value adding system. They know what everyone is capable of doing. We all have that person we turn to when we are looking for a web designer or a fashion designer. Connectors always appear to know everyone. What they do is, they know a friend of a friend. One way to do this is by increasing your network. Also, you have to be genuinely interested in helping people. When someone complains about back pain that never goes away, you go ‘guess what, I know a friend who is a chiropractor but he gives great discounts, should I hook you up?’ The person will never forget you. To become a connector, you will need to become passionate about people because, you cannot learn about people, memorize their names or job title, except you are truly committed to knowing them. When people tell you what they do, you make a mental note of who runs a complementary business and link them up. People will love you for it. For example, I recently met a young lady in Cleveland who was a successful writer and poet, I immediately connected her to an aspiring writer who was also into poetry in New York. He had access to a market she did not have. She had experience with publishing that he did not have. They were both very happy.
- Embody Excellence: One day Michelangelo was working in the Sistine Chapel, he was painting a part that faced the roof. Some friends came in and one wondered why he was being so meticulous on a hidden part and he asked him why he was painting a part of the chapel that no man would ever see. Michelangelo replied ‘man may not see it, but God sees it’. Let this level of excellence permeate everything you do. Even if no one is there, work as though the entire world is watching.
To add value in life, you need to do a little extra. The difference between water and cold water is the word ‘cold’ but that can make a world of difference on a day when the weather is 110degrees. Ask yourself today, In what areas can you bring in the ‘extra’ factor at work, with friends or at home. People who add value inspire others. Quit being a complainer about what is wrong with the world and start adding value. Value is not just about money. It is about contributing to another person’s life. According to a survey by the United Health Group, 96 percent of people who volunteered over the last 12 months said volunteering enriches their sense of purpose. Begin to practice value adding by looking for how you can help the people around you. Leaders add value everyday. So go out today, become Curious, Connect people, Create Excellence and you will be adding Value.
Chase Excellence and Success will find You