Adding Value to Others
I'm always looking
for ways to add value to those in my network. It is extremely
rewarding to do something for someone unsolicited and not seek anything
in return. A recent post (Always Go To the Funeral) on NPR reminded me that,
during the regular course of our daily lives, we may not have many opportunities to be
a superhero. However, with just a little extra time, attention, and effort, we
can have a huge cumulative impact on those around us.
If I read an article online which I believe is commensurate with the interests of someone in my network, then I am sure to pass it along with a quick note wishing them well. It is an effective way to share knowledge and keep one's network strong.
Here are a few things
that I do regularly to add value to others. They cost nothing and provide the
giver with a shot of oxytocin.
1. Introduce others.
Silly. Simplistic, yet unbelievably effective. There is an uncanny power in bringing people together. As long as they know each other, they will have you in common.
Introducing people in your network to one another is fraught with pitfalls and there are certainly ways to do
it correctly. A few of the best I've read are from The Art of Manliness blog and The Double Opt In Introduction on making introductions virtually and with couth.
2. Solve someone
else's problem. The problem with our own problems is that we can't see our
blind spots. This can be done in several different ways...Maybe it's a delicate
and tactful suggestion offered up in a nonjudgmental fashion. (I like Marshall Goldsmith's "Feed Forward" technique for this.) Better yet, make
them believe the idea was all theirs.
I was on a call with
a prospective business partner last month and we got to talking about
different software solutions. I mentioned two that he wasn't aware of and that
would be perfect for him. An hour after the call, I just happened to read an
industry paper that I thought would help him make his case to potential clients
and I forwarded to him. Both of these transactions cost me nothing but a
few seconds of my day and I feel added tremendous value for him!
3. Build others up.
Up until two years ago, when dropping my children off at school I would always offer them platitudes such as "Be
Good", "Learn a lot", or "Listen to your teachers" . Now I simply say "Build others up". That
is it. If they learn nothing else from me then I hope it is this piece of
advice.
Help someone to
believe in themselves when they need some confidence or self-efficacy and you
have the power to change their lives for the better.
4. Give some
information. There are probably a dozen people in my network who have asked me
about job placements, references, etc over the past few months. When I stumble
on an opportunity that matches their skill set I take 30 seconds to copy the
link and send it to them with a quick note. If I know the Hiring manager or
recruiter personally, then I will take an extra minute or two and have them
send me their updated resume which I will then send to the hiring manager along
with a recommendation.
This also helps me to
become a better and more empathetic listener as I try to better communicate
with others. With time being an ever dwindling commodity, it is a useful skill
to be able to effectively synthesize what others are saying and identify ways
that I can help them. Sometimes I'm able to help many months later based on
remembering their specific pain points.
By always looking for
ways to help others, I have grown more likely to reach out and ask for help
when I need it from others. Sometimes those others are perfect strangers and my
courage (or audacity) to ask stems from a real or imagined social karma (like
Covey explains)
Countless others have
helped me during my career and I intend to remain grateful and give back every
chance that comes my way.
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