Creating Value vs Doing My Job

We normally judge an organization's success based on its ability to provide results. Furthermore, one may argue that a successful organization has been able to increase and sustain its profit, service/product offerings, organizational capability, capacity, and so on. However, I would like to focus on the organization's human capital. People are necessary for the existence of any business or organization. A successful organization has individuals who deliver outcomes.

Talent development has numerous dimensions, including sourcing, development, and maintenance. Once we have employed the proper individuals, we want them to fit into their roles, align with the organizational culture, and contribute to the organization's success. It is always easier said than done. As a result, I believe our mindset of creating value rather than simply doing my job will be important.

Doing my job

When we receive a job offer, a piece of document will also be issued that specifies the role and job description. If we are doing everything to fulfill what is on the said piece of paper, can we honestly say that we are creating value? We could further do a deep dive and ask ourselves, creating value for whom? for what? why?

Let us look at some of the job descriptions of an Administrative Assistant, taken from Monster.com --

Administrative Assistant Job Responsibilities: 

• Provides administrative support to ensure efficient office operations.

• Maintains physical and digital filing systems.

• Answers phone calls and directs callers to appropriate personnel, schedules appointments, signs for incoming packages, and assists clients and other visitors.

• Responds to emails and other digital queries and correspondence.

• Manages calendars for senior staff, including making travel arrangements.

• Drafts and edits letters, reports, and other documents. Source: Monster.com (1) New Messages! (monster.com)

If it is a checklist and I can cross off the boxes, it is like a tick-mark activity that will tell me I completed my job. However, circumstances, uncontrollable events, and several unknowns remain, implying that what was specified in the job description is insufficient. For example, “write letters or reports.” The administrative assistant and the employer should agree on the letter or report's content, context, style, template, and distribution method. If this is not evident, an administrative assistant will simply state, "I drafted it; deal with it." "I did my job."

So, as an administrative assistant, how do I create value when I perform my job?

Creating Value

The most effective method to express this is through personal experience. 26 years ago, I worked as an Executive Assistant to the vice president for one year and then to the President of the company where I previously worked for another year. After two years as an Executive Assistant, I received a promotion as an Assistant Manager for Corporate Affairs. Looking back, I may have done something so well that my supervisors felt comfortable giving me bigger responsibilities.

As this was a long time ago, I could only recall these three things:

·       Make the life of my boss easier

As an Executive Assistant, I have a distinct perspective on the term "assistance". For me, it meant making my boss's life simpler. This required having discernment, imagination, and continuous learning all in one. Discernment regarding the outcomes and how to go about it. Why is this significant to my boss? How will it contribute to the overall task? Imagination refers to how I deliver my assignment in such a way that it delights and meets my boss's requirements. Continuous learning means that whenever I make a mistake, I learn from it. Alternatively, when there is something new assigned to me, I must have the courage to ask questions or clarify. Then have a passion for reading and conduct extensive research, if necessary.

·       Discover and explore.

Never stop discovering and exploring new things. When my boss suddenly asked me to draft his board report, I accepted the task without saying "I don't know how to do it, so sorry." I saw it as a sign of trust and an opportunity to develop new skills. It will also mean that my supervisor believes in my ability to deliver. I remember the first time I looked at the reports. I began studying the style, content, and look of the previous board reports. I checked what data to collect and analyze. I reviewed what made sense and why it was significant. I also gathered information about where to get the data and who to contact or consult with. I also learned for the first time how to use PowerPoint, generate graphs, and edit photos.

·       Being part of something big

When my boss involved me in a new project. I am always excited to take on the new challenge. For me, it was a venue for new experiences, meeting people, learning from them and the business, and most of all being part of something big. The “something big” for me was the overall impact of the project that I was part of. When a project directly or indirectly results in job creation, opportunity for learning and education, developing self-efficacy of others, becoming a “transition figure,” etc. Then I know, I have contributed to something big.

All three were not on the job description. I am part of the organization because I see myself contributing beyond merely doing my job. I envision myself being instrumental in the success of the organization. I care about my work and how I interact with my supervisor and others. I care because I want to improve, learn more, and discover the best version of myself. I care because I know that if the company succeeds, I will grow with it. I care because I am interested in how my work will lead to something broader. I care because I want to be a value creator whose contribution benefits not only me, my coworkers, and the firm, but also will impact my family, the community, and the society.