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How do I make myself more valuable to my employer?
This question comes from our professionals series
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11 answers
Vamshee Gunturu
Principal Engineer
187
Answers
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
Take a new challenge.
Show that you deliver the tasks on time and efficiently.
Build relationships.
Be Positive
Help others.
Keep Learning new things/technologies/tools
Be honest.
Build the trust
Show that you deliver the tasks on time and efficiently.
Build relationships.
Be Positive
Help others.
Keep Learning new things/technologies/tools
Be honest.
Build the trust
Ryan Curry
Techreative | Vetrepreneur | Culturategist
84
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Let's separate and define Value and Employer.
What is the intrinsic Value you currently provide to the company/organization and what does the company/organization define as valuable in terms of being a successful business?
Your Employer could be your direct supervisor or someone in their chain of command OR simply the organization as a whole.
Once you have answered these questions you can start to develop a tangible metric of value and a pathway to get there. This requires a deep understanding of your internal structures, roles, and responsibilities or those in the organization to ensure value is achieved by each employee or by the product and service provided by the organization to its customers.
If you have a deep understanding of your employer's priorities and processes, you can then look at them through the lens of process improvement. You might want also to understand the product and service from the perspective of the customer(s). A customer feedback loop would be essential to gather case studies or use cases to review and improve product or service delivery.
Here are some traditional ways to make yourself more valuable to your employer:
1. Be proactive: Anticipate problems, suggest solutions, and take the initiative to improve processes.
2. Be a team player: Collaborate with your colleagues, be willing to help others, and maintain a positive attitude.
3. Develop new skills: Look for opportunities to learn new skills that will benefit your employer, whether it's by taking courses, attending conferences or workshops, or seeking out mentorship.
4. Communicate effectively: Keep your employer informed of your progress and any challenges you may be facing. Listen actively to feedback and take action on any areas for improvement.
5. Be reliable: Show up to work on time, meet deadlines, and fulfill your commitments.
6. Demonstrate leadership: Take on additional responsibilities and be a role model for your colleagues.
7. Focus on results: Prioritize tasks that have the biggest impact on the business and deliver results that exceed expectations.
Remember that making yourself more valuable to your employer is not just about working harder, but also about working smarter. It requires a proactive approach to your work and a willingness to continually learn and grow.
What is the intrinsic Value you currently provide to the company/organization and what does the company/organization define as valuable in terms of being a successful business?
Your Employer could be your direct supervisor or someone in their chain of command OR simply the organization as a whole.
Once you have answered these questions you can start to develop a tangible metric of value and a pathway to get there. This requires a deep understanding of your internal structures, roles, and responsibilities or those in the organization to ensure value is achieved by each employee or by the product and service provided by the organization to its customers.
If you have a deep understanding of your employer's priorities and processes, you can then look at them through the lens of process improvement. You might want also to understand the product and service from the perspective of the customer(s). A customer feedback loop would be essential to gather case studies or use cases to review and improve product or service delivery.
Here are some traditional ways to make yourself more valuable to your employer:
1. Be proactive: Anticipate problems, suggest solutions, and take the initiative to improve processes.
2. Be a team player: Collaborate with your colleagues, be willing to help others, and maintain a positive attitude.
3. Develop new skills: Look for opportunities to learn new skills that will benefit your employer, whether it's by taking courses, attending conferences or workshops, or seeking out mentorship.
4. Communicate effectively: Keep your employer informed of your progress and any challenges you may be facing. Listen actively to feedback and take action on any areas for improvement.
5. Be reliable: Show up to work on time, meet deadlines, and fulfill your commitments.
6. Demonstrate leadership: Take on additional responsibilities and be a role model for your colleagues.
7. Focus on results: Prioritize tasks that have the biggest impact on the business and deliver results that exceed expectations.
Remember that making yourself more valuable to your employer is not just about working harder, but also about working smarter. It requires a proactive approach to your work and a willingness to continually learn and grow.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
Making yourself more valuable to your employer is a smart career move, as it can lead to increased job security, career advancement, and higher compensation. Here are some strategies to consider - Identify areas where you could improve your skills or acquire new ones, and take steps to do so. This might involve taking courses, attending workshops or conferences, or seeking mentorship or coaching. Look for opportunities to take on new responsibilities or projects, and show that you are proactive and eager to learn. Building strong relationships with your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders can help you demonstrate your value to the organization. Be friendly, helpful, and collaborative, and look for ways to add value to their work. Being reliable and trustworthy is highly valued in any workplace. Show up on time, meet deadlines, and follow through on commitments. Rather than simply identifying problems, focus on finding solutions to them. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and can help you stand out as a valuable employee. Stay informed about industry trends and changes in your field. This can help you identify opportunities to improve processes, offer new ideas, and stay ahead of the competition. Good communication skills are highly valued in any workplace. Be clear and concise in your communication, actively listen to others, and be open to feedback.
Daniel Maynes
Credit Manager
188
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Below are five answers I have heard from senior leadership:
1. Always look to improve the process.
2. Be a team player.
3. Lead with empathy and listen to your team when they bring you concerns.
4. When you run into hurdles don't give up so easily.
5. Don't be afraid to speak up in team meetings.
1. Always look to improve the process.
2. Be a team player.
3. Lead with empathy and listen to your team when they bring you concerns.
4. When you run into hurdles don't give up so easily.
5. Don't be afraid to speak up in team meetings.
Afrad Mahamed
Operations & Project Management
64
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Afrad’s Answer
Sometimes it is as simple as asking them, "how can I help"? You'll be surprised how appreciative they are of that, as many of us assume and work based on those assumptions.
Another is to ensure that your work activities and objectives are in line with that of the larger department and company. Thus while you meet your individual goal, you are also supporting that of the larger group.
Be a willing employee, even if it means doing things you are not used to. Most employers will recognize this as a strong quality. Besides the fact that you are addressing a need, they will also note that you are courageous, bold, and ambitious.
Hope this helps!
Another is to ensure that your work activities and objectives are in line with that of the larger department and company. Thus while you meet your individual goal, you are also supporting that of the larger group.
Be a willing employee, even if it means doing things you are not used to. Most employers will recognize this as a strong quality. Besides the fact that you are addressing a need, they will also note that you are courageous, bold, and ambitious.
Hope this helps!
Sounak Biswas
10
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sounak’s Answer
I would be short and crisp. Create you OWN Brand and align yourself to the strategies your company has.
Laurie Pritchard, Ed. S., M.A.T.
Executive Trainer, Rocket Mortgage
59
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
Be willing to listen to constructive feedback and not take it personally. We can always learn and grow in our roles, and we must be open to getting better every day.
Simple things like being on time, following through on your word/commitment, and meeting deadlines go a long way. You want to build your brand as someone who does their job well, can be counted on, and will deliver.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are critical, and have a growth mindset. All of this will help you be successful no matter what your role and no matter what your industry.
Simple things like being on time, following through on your word/commitment, and meeting deadlines go a long way. You want to build your brand as someone who does their job well, can be counted on, and will deliver.
Strong written and verbal communication skills are critical, and have a growth mindset. All of this will help you be successful no matter what your role and no matter what your industry.
Sheila Thomas MBA, SHRM-CP
Recruiter
2
Answers
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Looks like some great answers! I would like to add the below list of "10 things that require Zero Talent".
These are easy actions that will help you stand out with any employer.
* Be on Time
* Make an Effort
* Be High Energy
* Have a positive attitude
* Be Passionate
* Use good body language
* Be Coachable
* Do a little extra
* Be prepared
* Have a strong work ethic
These are easy actions that will help you stand out with any employer.
* Be on Time
* Make an Effort
* Be High Energy
* Have a positive attitude
* Be Passionate
* Use good body language
* Be Coachable
* Do a little extra
* Be prepared
* Have a strong work ethic
Sergio Hernandez
Client Executive
1
Answer
Simi Valley, California
Updated
Sergio’s Answer
Develop good relationships:
Build strong relationships with your co-workers and supervisors. Being well-liked and respected by others in the workplace can help you to get ahead in your career. The earlier you start building relationships the earlier it will be to get support when you need it the most.
Build strong relationships with your co-workers and supervisors. Being well-liked and respected by others in the workplace can help you to get ahead in your career. The earlier you start building relationships the earlier it will be to get support when you need it the most.
Aya Tanaka
Recruiter
12
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Aya’s Answer
Bravo on asking such a thought-provoking question! It's important to consider both sides of the equation, so let's delve into the employer's perspective. Ask yourself, what unique qualities do you bring to the table? What incredible assets do you possess that your employer would unquestionably miss if you were to join a competitor? Remember, you have the power to create immense value and, as you uncover those strengths, you'll discover an undeniable reason for them to keep you around. Keep up the fantastic self-awareness and introspection!
Yvonne Ying
Managing Partner
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Yvonne’s Answer
In order to be more valuable to your employer, I believe you should never stop learning about what's important to your company's stakeholders, employees, customers, and community. You should leverage your voice and don't be afraid to provide feedback. For example, rather than complaining about an issue, come up with a recommended solution, process improvement, or idea.