At first blush, I bet every one of us would automatically answer yes.
It’s sort of like being asked if you’re trustworthy. Of course you are. But then, you aren’t the one who gets to decide if you’re trusted, are you? It’s everyone else who gets to make that judgment, based on their consistent interactions with you over time.
Would your mother-in-law say you’re trustworthy? Your former spouse? Your landlord? Your leader? Your credit card company? Your study group in college? The last person who shared their most embarrassing secret or irrational fear with you?
Perhaps ask yourself, “Have I behaved myself into a reputation of being trusted by others?” And when the answer is no, how will you behave differently in the future?
Similarly, ask yourself, “Am I adding value to people?”
During my recent podcast interview with John Maxwell, he states his mantra is “Am I adding value to people”. It’s a mindset that he lives in every aspect of his life, personally and professionally. This is the lens through which he makes all of his decisions, including how his organization treats their employees, especially in the midst of this pandemic.
Imagine if this was the mindset through which you made all of your decisions.
Pick a day this week to try it out. Every decision you make in that period during which you’re awake, first ask yourself, “Am I adding value to people?" Make a mental note, or better yet, place some tick marks on a paper or open a memo on your phone. When are you adding value to yourself? When are you adding value to other people?
Maybe the key is to create three columns: Me. Them. Us.
I like the idea of adding value where everyone wins. Not always possible (especially in November), but it was Dr. Stephen R. Covey who said when talking about Habit 4 from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “It only takes one person to think Win-Win.”
In the spirit of abundance and in an action that checks each column, John Maxwell is offering 40% off his book, The Leader's Greatest Return. Use this exclusive promo code at checkout to receive the 40% discount he is offering the FranklinCovey audience: LGR40
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