Do I Value What I Do?
Steve Maloney

In my last blog post, I explored the first question of Value-Added Leadership: Do I have value to add? Hopefully, I inspired you to recognize the incredible value you provide to those around you. You have experiences, knowledge, skills, and a story that can positively impact the people you lead and influence.

Now I’d like to focus on the next component of Value-Added Leadership: Do I value what I do?

It’s one thing to recognize that we all have value to add. It’s another to truly value the work we do.

People can sense whether a leader is simply going through the motions or genuinely believes in the mission. Passion creates energy. Purpose inspires commitment. Leaders who value their work encourage others to do the same.

A perfect example of this is a former team member whose optimism and passion for our organization were contagious. I recall her coming back from a conference with such zeal and vigor, always eager to identify opportunities for improvement. Her input and enthusiasm were incredibly valuable to my HR team and the organization.

If You Don’t Value It, Why Should They?

As leaders, we sometimes forget how closely our teams watch us.

They watch how we respond to challenges.
They listen to how we talk about our organization.
They notice whether we celebrate successes or focus only on problems.
They see whether we invest in people or simply manage tasks.

If we’re constantly communicating that the work is frustrating, meaningless, or simply something we must get through, we shouldn’t be surprised when the team begins to feel the same way.

On the other hand, when we understand the purpose behind what we do, we help others see it too.

This doesn’t mean that every day will be exciting. Every organization has difficult days. Every job has tasks that aren’t particularly enjoyable. Leadership isn’t about pretending everything is great.

It is about understanding why the work matters.

Find the Meaning in the Work

One of the most important responsibilities of a leader is helping people connect their daily work to something bigger.

For example, a maintenance mechanic isn’t just fixing a machine. They’re helping keep people safe and allowing production to continue.

I use a motivational video in MACNY’s Supervisory Leadership class based on the book Drive by Daniel Pink. One of the key components to creating a motivating environment is Purpose. Why is the work we do important? Sometimes we need to be creative and focus on a higher-level purpose if it’s not readily apparent. I encourage supervisors to think this through so they can communicate a purpose to their front-line team members.

The work may look different from the outside, but every role has the potential to create value.

The question is whether we see it.

Valuing Your Work Changes How You Show Up

When you value what you do, you approach your work differently.

You prepare differently.
You listen differently.
You engage differently.
You solve problems differently.
You treat people differently.

A Challenge for Leaders

So, as you think about your role, your organization, and the people you influence, I encourage you to ask yourself:

Do I value what I do?

Not just the paycheck.
Not just the title.
Not just the position.

Do you value the difference your work makes?

Do you believe your work matters?

Do the people around you know that you believe it matters?

And perhaps most importantly:

If you truly value what you do, how are you showing it?

Value-Added Leadership begins with recognizing that you have value to give – but it doesn’t stop there. We must also recognize the value of the work we’ve been given.

When leaders value their work, they bring energy to it. When they bring energy to it, they influence others. And when that influence spreads throughout an organization, something powerful happens.

People stop simply doing a job.

They begin understanding why their work matters.

And that is when we begin creating real value.