Adding Value

"An unintentional life accepts everything and does nothing. An intentional life embraces only the things that will add to the mission of significance. - John C. Maxwell

I've read two powerful books recently.  Linchpin, by Seth Godin and Intentional Living, by John Maxwell (and would highly recommend both). Although they were two very different books, both had reinforced an underlying focus on the importance of 'adding value to other people'.  

In Linchpin, Seth talks about how to become indispensable. Basically, how to reinvent yourself to become vital in whatever it is you are doing. You need to pour your heart, soul and energy into your work. He talks about needing to change your mindset of what, why and how we do what we do and choosing to make a difference. Overcoming our fears to become a linchpin. He correlates this to being an 'artist' at what you do. Everything you do can be considered 'art'. Like an artist, you need to stand out, you need to create and you need to offer your 'art' to others as genuine gifts, without expecting anything in return. In other words, take what you already do well and put your passion behind it. Then share it with others, teach them, encourage them to share with others. That's adding value to other people's lives.

In John Maxwell's book, Intentional Living, he talks about wanting to live a life of significance. The way to do this is through servant leadership. The primary focus is on adding value to other people's lives, daily, and more importantly intentionally. To intentionally seek out ways and find opportunities to add value to others whenever you can.  Approaching each day with the goal of adding value to others to make a difference in their lives. He believes that intentional living is the best way to create a life of significance. 

Both books reinforced what I had already felt in my heart, but also inspired me to be even more passionate about living my life intentionally. I use the phrase a lot, 'Live your life with purpose, and on purpose', which is to not only to find out how you can make a difference daily, but to take actions related to making the difference daily.

The one thing you can do that will increase your effectiveness and leadership capacity is something everyone can and should consistently do. The one thing is to add value to other people. Adding value simply means you are intentional about serving and leading in a positive way. 

Contributing to other people—adding value to their lives—is the only way to gain another person’s buy-in, and it’s one of the few ways to get others to believe in you. For obvious reasons, this is important in many facets of life: leadership, friendships, relationships, connecting with new people, and especially with your family.

There are practical concepts and proven ways to show value to others.  Here are a few of those concepts you should adapt:

START BY LEARNING TO VALUE EVERYONE: It begins with your perspective. This means valuing everyone, not just those we are close to. Every person has value. Every person has importance. Seek to get to know them and appreciate them as individuals. 

THINK OF WAYS TO ADD VALUE TO OTHERS: Prepare for it. Anticipate it. Be creative. Seek them out. People who live intentionally think about ways to add value in advance. Plan for it.

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO ADD VALUE TO OTHERS: Be aware. Be on the constant lookout for spontaneous ways to help others. Be quick to offer your help. Identify when someone needs encouragement or assistance.  The key is to keep your eyes open for these opportunities and be ready to jump in as they present themselves.

PUT YOUR THOUGHTS AND AWARENESS INTO ACTION: Just do it. It's great to plan ways to add value and to be actively seeking opportunities to implement these plans, but nothing beats actually doing something for someone.

PASS IT ON / PAY IF FORWARD: Significance begins with you, but shouldn't end with you. It is meant to be shared. As you begin to develop a daily habit of adding value to others, encourage others to do the same. Spread the love. 

Here are some ways you can add value:

THROUGH YOUR WORDS: Be kind, encouraging and uplifting. Statistics show that most people, to some extent, struggle with low self-esteem. As happy and successful as people portray themselves to be, typically most people are currently dealing with something in their life that may be causing them stress or worry, additional fear or pain. Often just your words have the power to raise a person to an entirely new level of confidence, self-worth, and help them to believe in themselves or see how great they really are. 

Make it a goal in every conversation to complement, encourage, and speak positivity. It might be complementing the person’s attire, pointing out and praising their areas of strengths or what they excel at doing, or speaking an encouraging word to them. When you see someone doing superb work or putting in the extra effort take the time to thank them and show you appreciate them.

THROUGH YOUR ASSISTANCE: People need people. Often others do not want to ask for help. Being present and aware of how others are doing will give you opportunities to help out and support them when needed. 

You can do the same at your place of employment. Make sure you are present and let those you lead know you are there to support them if needed, especially during times of demand. Ask your coworker or boss if you can help them complete a project or task. Simply say, “Do you need me to help out with anything or can I take someone off your plate?”  These simple things really do add value to other people.

THROUGH GIVING AND SHARING: Gifts are a great way to add value to others. It shows people you care and appreciate them. You should take time to learn about the things the receiver enjoys or likes doing. It might be their favorite foods or drinks, hobbies or recreational activities they participate in, or something on their bucket or dreams list. After you have learned about what they like or enjoy you can purchase a gift accordingly. Know the time you took to learn about the person and buying a gift that matters to them is more important than how much it costs. A small and meaningful gift shows the person you value them and their work.

INVEST IN THEIR SUCCESS: You can add value to people by investing in their growth and development. You should inspire and encourage the people around you to grow in the skills that will most help them be successful in their work and personal lives. Personal and professional growth can help a person perform better and become more successful in achieving their goals. There are practical ways you can encourage personal or professional growth. Consider regularly sharing with your people the things you are learning about, taking time for coaching sessions, provide timely constructive criticism that promotes growth, and give them relevant resources. These things can help the people around you move toward their potential.

Thankfully, there are many ways we can add value to others: 

• Create something someone can use
• Inspire someone to take action
• Lend a helping hand
• Be a shoulder to cry on
• Show someone how to do something
• Show someone a better way
• Provide a new perspective
• Lead by example
• Listen more, and listen to be amazed
• Give your full attention
• Just be there for someone
• Love them
• Donate your time to charity

No matter how we contribute, it’s important to add value in an authentic way—without an ulterior motive—genuine and helpful and unassuming.

Who adds value to your life? How do you add value to others? We’ve all benefited from someone’s contribution in the past. It's time to pay it forward and look to add value to someone else. It's easier than you think. And you can start today.

"Be assertive, be attentive and be creative. The world needs people who can add value." - Gift Gugu Mona

Make today great!

Curtis