“What I’m worth is the value I’m bringing to you right now.” James Altucher

The quote above was made in reference to a seminar Mr. Altucher was participating in when asked how much money he was worth. It's always amazing to me that people feel free to ask others how much money they're making when they believe someone is wealthy (this guy is), but if they were asked the same question they'd be all over the questioner about invading their privacy.


Bianca Casimes
via Compfight

I've talked about the subject of value 96 times on this blog over the years. Sometimes it was regarding monetary things, sometimes about personal values, and of course a business and personal lesson on values I got from my dad when I was first in business for myself.

But the concept of value to others... well, I'm sure I've covered it in other ways, but I want to address it more directly now, especially as it pertains to leadership.

Do you consider yourself as someone who adds value to the personal and professional lives of those who work for you or with you? Do you even know how to measure yourself, setting a standard that you hope you're reaching?

If not, don't worry about it. I'm going to offer 5 ways you should be looking at yourself to determine what kind of value you're offering others. I was going to offer 10, but I think 5 is enough to get you started. If you have anything to add later on, you can put them in the comments or just start them on your own. After all, value improves everyone, right? Here we go:

1. Can you answer most questions that come your way, even if you have to research them to make sure you're correct?

No one expects you to know everything, but they do expect you to know a lot. I've found that even those who are very smart often defer to the person in charge for confirmation of how things are supposed to go. If you falter more often than not, your role will be diminished and you won't offer value to anyone.

2. Do you think ahead about what your employees or others might need to accomplish their duties?

One of the major roles of leaders is being creative, thinking of things to improve conditions while also trying to find and fix problems before they occur. Many times thinking ahead means figuring out what your employees might need to know for future projects or even to complete what they presently do. Something just making sure they're on top of any new regulations as soon as possible offers value.

3. Are you someone who's ready to give those who need it a mental boost?

Many managers I talk to don't seem to understand the value of thanking employees for doing good work or being there to help them when they're having a bad day mentally. Folks, it's not about the money they're being paid; it's never been about that, no matter what you think.

Employees who feel good at work will produce more than employees who are paid well. Giving value to your employees gives you value you can't buy with money.

4. Do you make sure your own personal standards are as strong as those you expect in your employees?

I've seen managers who believe they're above the rules they set for their employees, which includes not really working while keeping their foot on the necks of those same employees. No one likes hypocrites or phonies. Everyone likes consistency and positivity. Leaders add value when they show others how they should act rather than telling them how to act.

It's understood that the work you as a leader does might be different than the work your employees do. Back when I was a director I spent a lot of time in meetings, group or personal, and even if it wasn't 100% business all the time, meetings weren't conducted without their being a purpose that would bring value back to either my employees or the organization.

5. Are you making sure that almost everything you do is geared towards growth, whether it's yours, your employees, your co-workers or your company?

If all you do is put out office fires then you're not doing your job well, thus you're not offering any value. Offering value means you're forward thinking. Offering value means you're creating leaders, thought or otherwise. Offering value means you treat all customers well, and realize that all customers includes the people you work with. Offering value means an improved experience for everyone, including you.

Your turn; how do you offer value?