A regular column devoted to developing the skills necessary to lead in the 21st century workplace.
Have you asked yourself this question lately? I hope so.
But if not, why not? As a leader, you should be asking yourself this question with the same frequency you are asking, “what’s for dinner?” Doing so is motivating, keeps you focused, and helps you realize that every thing you do is being measured; by your boss, your customers, your shareholders, your peers, and if you are honest, the ultimate judge, your self.
“The effective executive focuses on contribution. He looks up from his work and outward toward goals. He asks: “What can I contribute that will significantly affect the performance and the results of the institution I serve?” His stress is on responsibility.”
These powerful words were written by Peter F. Drucker over forty years ago in The Effective Executive (affiliate link). Yet they remain so insanely relevant today.
By focusing on contribution and the impact you make each day:
- You realize you are a part of something bigger than a job in an office or a cube.
- It opens your eyes to the fact that everyone around you is relying on your performance and your contribution for their success (an outward vs inward view of your own success). For if you do not contribute your share as an individual, then of course, the whole suffers.
- It leads you to the question, “What development do I need?” You’ll learn the skills and abilities that you need to acquire to help you make a bigger contribution.
- It will raise your bar, drive you to innovate, spark your ambition, and create inspiration not only for yourself, but also everyone you interact with.
To quote Drucker again, “to focus on contribution is to focus on effectiveness.” So I implore you to begin asking yourself, “What can I contribute?“
