The Man Who Does More Than He Is Paid For Will Soon Be Paid For More Than He Does
- Napoleon Hill
I came across this quote the other day, and I absolutely loved it. I've seen how this principle benefits those that apply it, and hurts those who don’t.
Many people live their lives doing the bare minimum. Clocking in right at 8, and leaving right at 5. Chatting for 30 minutes by the water cooler and scrolling on social media all day. They still get their work done, but it’s the bare minimum. Doing the bare minimum will keep you at the bare minimum of your potential.
Going the extra mile, or “doing more than what you are paid for” goes a long way. Now, don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying to work 60-hour weeks to go the extra mile. I’m saying that just doing a LITTLE extra than what you are required to do goes a long way, and
it all comes down to the value you bring.
You can do a bunch of extra things that don’t add value, like staying an extra hour at work just to look like you are working hard, but you're not even being productive. The people that operate this way think that by “looking” like they are doing extra they are adding value, but that’s not the case here.
So, what does it mean to add value?
It means to:
1. Go above and beyond your duties.
Take initiative – if you see something that needs to get done, don’t wait for your supervisor to tell you to do it. Think one step ahead of your boss, meaning do the things that you know your boss is going to ask you about, and provide updates without them having to ask you first.
2. Every task that you do, do it with excellence, don’t half ass it.
3. Be accountable for your work. If you make a mistake, own up to it.
If you make a mistake, take responsibility, and find a solution for your mistake. If you lack accountability, you will be deemed untrustworthy, and being trustworthy at work is KEY to getting placed in higher places.
4. Build relationships at work.
Go to the happy hours, bond with colleagues. Ask your boss how their kids are doing. Get friendly with the people that have a say in your promotions, but be authentic about it. Your unauthenticity will simply make you just another ass-kisser and brown-noser in the office. If you are building relationships, do it sincerely, like you care about the person you are building a relationship with. At the end of the day, everyone you work with is a human being, and human beings have a need for relationships and connections. Being personable, building relationships, and caring about the people around you, will make others think highly of you.
5. Get good at customer service.
At work you have two customers: your internal customers, which are your colleagues and bosses, and the external customers which are the clients of your company. Provide good customer service by consistently meeting their expectations. Be friendly. Know your shit so people can trust what you are saying and you are not just another bullshitter getting through the day.
The people that adopt these habits are the people that get promoted, recognized, and end up being assets to a company.
So, what is the value you are providing? Is the value you bring irreplaceable? Do you stand out from all your other colleagues? Are you more likely to get promoted than anyone else? Why should you get picked above anyone else?
Being a high value person will always get you rewarded.
So, what are you doing today that will get you rewarded tomorrow?
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