Your Value Connection.  Are you Ready to Answer?

By Chris Fogarty, FiredUP Careers

If asked ‘how do you contribute here?’ are you prepared to answer? 

In any business, there is a matrix of processes and events that result in the delivery of products or services to customers.  This delivery means revenue.  And how well these processes and events are executed translates to profit or loss.  Where are you in this matrix, and how do you add value to either generate revenue or increase profit?  If you don’t know the answer to this question, you’re vulnerable and your career is at risk.

The risk is twofold. 

First, you’re at risk of being the first name that comes up when your organization looks at headcount and cutting positions.  This doesn’t only happen during difficult financial times.  Frequently companies will reassess their ‘human’ resources and decide to invest their payroll in different areas.  So don’t make the mistake of assuming that if business is great, they won’t be laying anyone off. 

Second, you’re success and motivation are at risk.  Successful people feel connected to what they do.  They have intense interest in what they do.  They know who they are, what they are good at, what they love to do.  And they constantly scan their situation to see how they can improve themselves and the job they are doing for the organization and its customers. 

This success and motivation is only possible if you know how you fit into the organization.  It is only possible if you know how you are impacting the delivery to customers, the efficiency of the organization, and the quality of experience for your customers and coworkers.

1.  Who are your customers?  Of course, there are those that buy your products/services.  Think inside the company as well.  Who are the recipients of your work?  Who benefits from your efforts? 

2.  Are you meeting the needs of your customers?  Do you know what they need?  Have you asked how you could make them more productive, or enjoy working with you more?

3.  Look at the big picture.  How do you fit into the big scheme of delivering products and services efficiently to your external customers?  What talents do you have that contribute to your organization’s success?  What talents do you enjoy using, and how can you capitalize on them and use them more often?  What is your ‘value’ that connects you to the bigger picture?

Understanding your value connection and striving to use your talents and strengths will lead to increased motivation and success in your career.  Understanding your value connection will make you less vulnerable to imposed career actions.  Are you ready to answer the question ‘How do you contribute here’? Take time today to look at your role in your organization.