Unleashing Your Professional Value – 4 Ways To Assess Your Impact At Work
Written by: Michelle Schafer, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
What's your value? One of my recent resume workshop participants was struggling with identifying ways he offered value. As a bus driver, he just thought he was doing his job, and didn't think there was anything special about that.
He didn't save the City thousands of dollars by streamlining processes. He didn't create a new program that resulted in hundreds and thousands of new participants. He didn't resolve a customer problem that resulted in positive media attention and an employee of the month nomination. All of these can be considered "fireworks moments". Achievements that leave us feeling exceptionally proud, and are often positively recognized by senior leadership. And he was stuck as he didn't feel he had any fireworks moments, and therefore he could not be providing value. So as a group, we spent the next 5 minutes brainstorming with him. He provides exceptional service to riders, greeting each patron in a friendly way and providing information to help them to their destination. He follows precise directions to ensure the route is completed on time and according to standards. He responds quickly in moments of crisis, making decisions to protect the safety of his riders. He has a deep knowledge of accommodations for special needs. And as much as he didn't feel he delivered "fireworks moments" to his riders, I can imagine that his service was valued, and felt like a fireworks moment to the many people who ride his bus every day.
Just because someone doesn't share their appreciation, doesn't mean you aren't positively impacting their experience in the work you do.
If you are unsure of the value you provide (and what you specifically do to provide it), here are 4 sources of information you can consult:
Ask current and past colleagues – People who know you well are excellent sources of information, and have experienced your ability to provide great service, collaborate with others, or design programs. Ask them “What are one or two ways I provided value to you?” and encourage them to be specific as they can. You may be surprised by what they share.
Consult past performance appraisals – If you have records of your performance (not everyone does), access past appraisals and note the feedback and specific things you are recognized for.
Review your job description – Look at each item, and ask yourself the question “So what”. In other words, why was this task important/significant, and what did you do to create positive outcomes for clients/team members/your company?
Do some self-reflection – Take time for introspection and self-assessment to identify unique qualities and attributes that contribute to your value.
Everyone brings value to their job every day. And it's the everyday moments that can mean the most. These everyday moments are your “fireworks moments” – the value you are offering and work to be proud of. So talk about it. On your resume. In your LinkedIn profile. At your next interview. Recognize your value – and share it! You have an exciting career story to tell – be proud of it. What are your "fireworks moments"?
Michelle Schafer, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Michelle Schafer is an International Coaching Federation Certified Coach and Facilitator specializing in career transition and leadership. She is the owner and founder of Michelle Schafer Coaching, empowering people to achieve career fulfillment. Michelle has personally experienced two significant career transitions through restructuring and has reinvented herself for new careers both times. She deeply understands the physical, emotional and mental impact associated with a job search. Michelle is passionate about people and inspired by their progress, working with clients at all levels of an organization and across sectors including federal and municipal government, high tech, not-for-profit and financial services. Michelle offers coaching 1:1 in groups and recently was certified in the foundations of team coaching with the Global Team Coaching Institute.
Photo credit:
Arthur Chauvineau (Unsplash)
