What Have You Done to Add Value Today?

Today, we live in a world that is overwhelmingly self-centered. In today’s ‘me” generation, competition, rather than collaboration has been engrained as the only path to true success. Feeding our own egos and paychecks seem to be our only goal. We are defined by what we have and not what we do.

Ask yourself today,” What have I done to add value today?” “Who have I helped today?” “Whose life has been made better by something I’ve done today?” Can you remember? True leaders constantly and consistently give to others, and get great enjoyment in helping them to succeed. It is less about stroking an ego and more about changing a mindset.
Are you adding value or are you subtracting from it? The IT professional who does not constantly refresh his education will quickly no longer be able to effectively do his job.  He loses value and subtracts from his ability to lead his team. The clothing store manager who stays current with fresh and exciting fashions, and makes sure his stock out on the floor always stays ahead of the fashion curve, adds value. His loyal customers will keep coming back because he has given them fashionable clothes no one else is stocking at the moment. Leaders who choose to reach out to others in their respective organizations and give them information that, if nothing else, show a few people how to gain a few extra dollars by learning a new technique, add value. They lift someone else go to a much higher level.

The art of giving is, is to give freely without the expectation of something in return. You should do something for somebody, today, and give it in the spirit and knowledge that they can never repay you.

Giving brings opportunity. Givers always bring a multitude of solutions. Opportunists lurk in dark corners, waiting to steal the limelight from someone else’s hard work. Experienced givers solve problems bringing happiness and fulfillment to those around them. Opportunists bring disruption and inherently create bigger problems.
 
Before you claim the title of “leader,” you must first learn how to “serve.” It is title that is earned by paying your dues—doing your due diligence—getting the job done. They provide value by helping those around them go to their next level. Are you a leader? Are you adding true and honest value?

To find more information to help you become a better leader, or to discover an industry that provides all the training, coaching, and mentoring that will take you to your next level, go here: 
 
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