Enhance your career by adding value, not just being useful

The way society works these days is a lot different from the past...and that includes what organizations require of their employees. It used to be enough to be useful to the organization and to serve a purpose if you wanted to ensure job security. However it is evident that today that is definitely not the case. Today, if you wish your career to be within a corporation, you must add-value to it's bottom line - not just today but next month, next year and so forth.

The two questions you might ask yourself are (1) what do I need to know or do to provide this value? and (2) who can I obtain this information or guidance from? The short answer to the first question is to understand that impacts the bottom line of the company and your division in particular and look for ways to improve it. Do more than your job requires, particularly if you realize that your actual position adds very little to the bottom line of your organization. If you realize this then someone higher up will and you know that is the end of your career as you know it. In respect to question two look at those who are successful in your organization to provide guidance or those in similar positions at competitor organizations. For what it's worth I find that HR and Training departments unfortunately are not sufficiently resourced or knowledgeable these days to provide any real assistance. It's not all their fault as organisations are requiring them to pick up more administrative tasks and subsequently their skill sets are being diluted away from what I believe are the more important roles of people management, being reskilling advice and career advice for employees.

Whilst being useful is about performing a process, adding value is about providing knowledge and skill the company doesn't otherwise have or not have in sufficient quantities. What does this mean for you? In simple terms obtain more knowledge, not just about what is required to perform for the company today but what is going to be required in the years to come.

The last piece I want to say is in respect to networking, both inter-company and outside of company. Having connections can be invaluable to providing value to the organisation you work for, in respect to possible sources of new employees, new sales channels and other information. Don't think by putting your head down within your cubicle and working the 15 hour, 6 day a week schedule will guarantee you the career of your dreams (doesn't sound like a great career anyhow). Rather get out and network with others in the industry(s) in which your organization deals. Establishing a positive relationship with management from another organization or your own will never hurt your career and in 9 times out of 10, be sure to enhance it.