Honoring Traditional American Values Could Save Your Career
 by Jeffrey W. Brown

With today’s topsy-turvy economy, some companies seem to be focusing on productivity rather than people.  While the sluggish economy has regained strength, oil prices and other fears continue to make us wary.  With this in mind, it may be a good time to focus on the qualities you bring to the office.  What makes you more valuable than your pal in the cube next door?
 

In an effort to focus on maintaining an edge in today’s competitive job market, let’s take a look at the values our country (and possibly your company) was founded upon:

Individuality:  Set yourself apart from the crowd by adding value to what you do. Go the extra mile by working diligently and efficiently, and be willing to work on problems no one else will tackle. Don’t be afraid to offer suggestions to improve existing services or products, and don’t shy away from bringing new ideas to the table.  Creativity and courage will not go unnoticed.

Education: Be ready and willing to learn in an effort to build a wide range of transferable skills.  These skills will make you more valuable to the company, as well as to yourself!  Stay up to date with company policy changes and advancement opportunities, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs provided by your employer. Knowledge is the key to many unopened doors. 

Compassion for Others: Take personal responsibility for everything you say and do and never make excuses for your mistakes. Learn to listen to others and provide encouragement when it is needed.  Be positive, motivating, and willing to lend a hand.  Celebrate the successes of others, and they will be happy to celebrate with you.  

Personal Integrity: Be a fair and honest manager of yourself, the individuals you supervise, and your time on the clock.  Set specific and measurable goals with realistic deadlines, and use your resources wisely.   Remember to follow the rules and accept the consequences when you break them-- but don’t break them often!  A commitment to ethical standards of living and working may not be the norm, but it will pay off in the long run.  

Independence:  Take the bull by the horns and work with little direction or supervision.  When you prove yourself to be trustworthy, you earn more freedom in your career.   However, this does not mean that you should not be a team player.  A truly independent individual is as capable of working as a member of a group as he or she would be leading it.     

Individuality, education, compassion for others, personal integrity, and independence are values that have carried our country through 225 years of highs and lows.  These very same characteristics will empower you during periods of prosperity as well as times of economic uncertainty.