“Try not to become a human of success. Rather become a human of value.”
―
The value you bring does not come from:
- your title.
- your position.
- the buzz words you use.
- your ability to schmooze.
- your willingness to play political games.
- the size of your ego.
- the number of people you know.
- the number of people who know you.
- the number of presentations you have made.
- the conferences you have attended.
- the titles of books on your desk.
- the number of compliments and acknowledgments you have received.
- the hours you work.
- the number of projects that you take on.
The value that you bring does not even come from the money you make.
Or even, the year that you were great.
________
The value you bring comes from:
- your empathy for others.
- your ability to leave your ego at the door.
- your willingness to embrace the complex and say: “I don’t know.”
- your resolve in determining, clarifying, and articulating (so everyone can understand) what matters.
- the time you spend doing what matters.
- the occasions you spotlight others and step back.
- the alignment between your words and actions.
- your willingness to roll up your sleeves and do the work.
- your ability to say no. No, that doesn’t align with my beliefs.
- your authentic vulnerability.
- your willingness to change your opinion.
- the tenderness of your heart.
- the value you place on feedback and reflection.
- the times you say sorry and mean it.
- the moments you are completely present.
- your willingness to reach across divides and hold your hand patiently.
The value that you bring may not even be noticed. But rest assured you are valuable.
________
What value do you bring?