During a recent business trip to Boston, and York, Maine, I had the opportunity to experience the Cape Neddick Lighthouse and to find out more about it’s fascinating history. During the course of developing a greater understanding of the stature and beauty of the structure, I began to understand its true value and intent. During the early 1800s their were many casualties because the lighthouse did not exist as a beacon to fishermen and visitors alike. Due to these tragedies, a strong case was made to do something about it. Thus the Cape Neddick Lighthouse was built and added immediate value that still exists today.
Search Process to Hire a New Team member
When leaders begin the search process and ultimately make the decision to hire a new team member, character, integrity and work ethic are not the only considerations. How a team member immediately adds “value” to the organization is also a vital concern.
You see, leaders in organizations are always looking for that game changer or that edge over the competition in order to increase market share or reduce costs. For that reason, leaders look for followers who add immediate and lasting value to the organization while finding unique ways to outpace the competition by what they bring to the table.
Five Key Behavioral Capacities
Let me share with you five key behavioral capacities that represent immediate value and how they increase your job security:
Versatility
Attitude
Loyalty
Understanding
Empathy
Versatility
Leaders want followers who can adapt and find a way to get the job done. This is a key descriptor of followers who are flexible when needed and able to multitask.
Attitude
Attitudes are contagious, and the follower who is able to always demonstrate a good attitude alters the climate in organizations.. Having a positive attitude in negative situations is a game-changer.
Loyalty
Leaders want followers who are going to be loyal and demonstrate resolve as they interact with customers and their own colleagues. A resolve to believe in the vision & direction of the company.
Understanding
Leaders want followers who first seek to understand before diving in to offer solutions. Critical thinking requires that you test assumptions and push past them to gain further clarity and understanding. Future leaders make this a constant habit in all they encounter.
Empathy
Exceptional leaders and followers are able to effectively tune in to other’s moods, attitudes and their environmental stressors while making adjustments accordingly. When you can demonstrate this type of empathy you add immediate value to any team.
Followers Should Develop Value
Just as leaders are charged with making the right decision when it comes to on boarding, training and grooming a follower, a follower also has the responsibility to make sure they cultivate and develop value adding behaviors to the organization that has committed to bring them on in good faith.
As a follower, how are you identifying ways to add value to your team & organization?
