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As I look back over the past twenty-plus years of working, I can see a clear pattern of behavior that I’m not proud of: an attitude of irreplaceability. I said yes to every task and increased my level of responsibility, not as a way of helping out and making an impact, but to prove that I belonged. To show that my work was great, even if it wasn’t that good. And to hold others for psychological ransom about how hard it would be to replace me. What a horrible attitude! Fortunately, as I get older, I not only learn how replaceable I am but how the attitude of impact can actually get me what I always wanted.
9 ways to cultivate impact in your working life:
- Work hard
- Do your best
- Say thank you
- Maintain a spirit of helpfulness, even if you don’t know what to do or how to do it
- Expect less, give more
- Learn from the wisdom and experience of others
- Be friendly, compassionate, and empathetic
- Listen more, talk less
- Communicate your needs
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- Photo by Tareq Ajalyakin on Unsplash