How to Stand Out and Create Value for Yourself at Work

In previous articles I have examined the current state of professional development in the workplace for lawyers, and by implication, other professionals such as doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers. And considered the opportunity presented by Job Crafting to reframe our own work experiences. So as to feel smarter and think kinder about our work and career.

My key point is that you are entitled, and it could be argued need, as a working professional, to create value for yourself at work. Before you start to think about what value you bring to your clients, team, workplace and even profession.

We are often indoctrinated into believing that we must put everyone else first and that by doing this we will somehow, by osmosis, be recognised as a valuable contributing member of our profession. And in giving value be valued.

But for many people this does not eventuate. Our opportunities grind to a halt because we are not an easy fit into the culture of a workplace, or because we aim for better practice in the work we do, thus challenging ourselves to always improve, stretch, perform. In a work environment that sometimes does not, cannot, will not support our noble intentions.

Creating Value

Job Crafting only works for the individual professional if the following occurs:

1. They have decided to prioritise their personal growth over organisational objectives and assessed their risk of doing this as manageable, or

2. They have established a clear understanding of what their organisation stands for and they realise that successful job crafting is about creating mutual value and they can align their work initiative to their workplace and organisation's vision and goals.

Fuelling Success

An organisation can fuel the success of its people by:

1. Offering resources and support such as mentoring and professional development opportunities to empower a working professional to take control of their career and actively engage in job crafting.

2. Provide access to training and workshops that align with the person's interests and career goals. And sometimes even beyond work to life interests.

3. Provide mentoring and work assignment opportunities to a person so they can explore other possible roles within the organisation.

4. Provide regular check-ins and feedback and resources to facilitate effective job crafting.

Reality Check-in

Now that you have read the suggestions above how does your workplace and organisation rate in meeting the basics for effective job crafting, professional and career development?

If you have concerns about the rating you will give your employer then I encourage you to work through more of the Job Crafting and Role Sculpting resources. And if possible attend our on-site, equine co-facilitated, Job Crafting Workshop to gain more clarity and acquire new strategies for how to move forward in your life and career. To create value for yourself at work. You deserve it.

The Equine (EQ) Link

Equine Experiential Education programs can significantly assist you to tap into your EQ and leaderwork capabilities by guiding you in how to draw on your unique strengths and attributes.

24 February 2024