Raise your hands if you know people who add value to others and those who suck up all that is left in us and leave us high and dry.
I start my runs quite early in the morning. Often, I would spot a bunny hopping around, living its best life. The air is fresh and crisp. You see these cute, charming and delightful creatures with their soft fur, twitching noses and floppy ears, feeding on grass and having a blast. The sight of a bunny adds a touch of serenity to your workout and brings a sense of joy and connection with nature. I soak in the moment and appreciate the simple beauty of nature during my run. However gruelling my run was until that moment, seeing the bunny changed my mood. It has put a smile on my face.
Then, there are times I would spot a skunk. Fear would flood my face. I would immediately stop running. I would cross the road calmly, change my path, and keep my distance. I would give plenty of space and avoid startling the skunk. Notice that I now exercise caution, apprehension, and avoidance. I would have had the best workout until then, but spotting it has made my soul wary and stressful. I would walk away thinking Phew, that was close; I was this close to getting sprayed by a skunk. Thank God!!
We all know people like that. They make their problem your problem. You walk away from them, and you would know you have been keeping company with a skunk. All the people you interact with would know, too. How? Because you smell like them. They have weighed you down. They don’t add joy, not even subtract joy, but they divide joy. You spend a few minutes with them, and your tank is empty.
How Can You Add Value To Others?
Adding value to others involves actions that benefit, uplift, or assist others meaningfully. Here’s how you can do it:
Listen Actively
Show that you care by listening actively and attentively. How many of us are guilty of multitasking in a team meeting? We don’t look at the zoom screen or the circle of folks around the conference room. We are disengaged. We are responding to an email that popped up. Or a text or simply scrolling through our social media feed in a meeting. You don’t have to solve problems; listening attentively to people will create a safe space for others. You exhibit empathy by giving them your attention; this simple act significantly impacts others. They feel supported, and all you have to do is listen.
Share Your Knowledge and Provide Solutions
- After listening to the problem, you can offer your expertise, insights, or experiences to help others learn and grow. Offering guidance and information can be incredibly valuable., Offer practical solutions or suggestions that could help them overcome their issues.
- Introduce people to others who can be beneficial to their goals or interests. You have also helped them expand their network, which is valuable in the long run.
- Lend a hand with tasks or projects that might be overwhelming for others. Your assistance can make their load lighter.
Offer Encouragement
Offer words of encouragement and positivity. Your support can motivate and inspire others to keep pushing forward.
Give Honest Feedback
Provide constructive feedback to help others improve and excel in their endeavours. Start with highlighting what they did well and add your thoughts on how they can improve.
Celebrate Their Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of others. Your genuine happiness for their success shows that you care. Also, it strengthens your relationship. So often, when people succeed, there are only so many people left out to celebrate their successes. Be the first to send a personal message or a gift or flowers. Best of all, throw a celebration in their honour. Invite their friends for the get-together and celebrate.
You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.
John Bunyan
To conclude, when you are in the company of people, you can simply add value by being fully present. Dedicate the time to connect and ask clarifying questions to show that you value their company and companionship. Collaborate better and love others.
Remember, adding value doesn’t always require grand gestures. Small acts of kindness and consideration can go a long way in positively impacting the lives of those around you.
Next time you are in a company of people, the question you should be asking is
“How do I create more value for the people I interact with?”
Are you the energizer bunny? Or are you a skunk that people are walking around you? Do you leave people better than you found them? How you leave a person after the conversation is a simple indicator of who you are. If you see them with slumped shoulders and walking with zero energy, know you exhibited skunk tendencies. If they are cheerful and you notice a skip in their step and are upbeat, know that you exhibited bunny tendencies. You made a small impact on their fabulous life, and that’s all you are asked to do. Creating value helps you to be a generous, profitable and valuable person.
Next time your friend comes for a visit, or you have a team meeting, have a goal to add value to others, whether you are a team member or a leader.
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Discover more from Elevate & Inspire
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.