“Adding value” is a commonly used phrase. Dictionary.com defines value as “relative worth, merit, or importance; monetary or material worth; equivalent worth or return in money, material, services, etc.; estimated or assigned worth.” 

When I started working for a social-impact consulting firm as a recent college graduate, I felt intimidated at times, and perhaps you can relate. Do you have the relevant experience to truly offer value to your company or clients, or are you an “imposter”? I have found the following perspectives/practices to be helpful. 

• You can serve, encourage, and learn. Attitudes matter. Being willing to do the work that others don’t want to do, to encourage and validate the work that others are doing, and to learn with humility can go a long way. In some cases, an expert is needed. But more often than you might think, what is really needed is someone who is willing and humble and hard-working.
• “Everything is figureoutable.” This is the phrase written on the stand that my boss gave me for my desk. When you don’t know how to do something or have an answer, Google or YouTube are often handy. Creative and collaborative problem-solving, with relevant research, has become key in much of our work.
• You are not alone. Where you have a knowledge or skill gap, someone else on your team may be able to step in and provide coaching and guidance on the project. The best work is done as a team.
• Some things are simply beyond me, and I have found prayer to be immensely important. While I am still learning how to pray and still learning to remember to pray, this is key. When I don’t know what to do in a situation, when something goes right or when it goes wrong, when things are smooth and when roadblocks come, we all need the grace of God. Our team has had weekly times of prayer and thanksgiving where we have encouraged and prayed for each other in both personal and work needs. I believe God has unlimited resources and that He can and does affect change in our circumstances.

As you continue in your work, you will still encounter roadblocks and situations that test you, and these will likely only continue to grow. Adopting these mindsets is something that none of us will outgrow. As I have grown in skills and experience, I realize that we must all still also grow in character and always continue learning and growing. 

Another definition of value is “any object or quality desirable as a means or as an end in itself.” These are qualities that have “worth, merit, or importance.” Our company has a adopted a set of values: Honor, Integrity, Servant Leadership, Innovation, and Diligence. Whether formally defined or not, each person and family and organization and community has its own set of values. Living out these qualities is how you will be able to add value.

In these pursuits however, you must be careful to separate your value as a person you’re your value to your company or clients. While the latter can change based on a variety of factors, your God-given value as a person remains unchanged. Recognizing this, you will not need to grasp for your own promotion or benefit but will be freed to serve others genuinely. 

Want a partner to support you in adding value to your mission? Contact us today at info@soar.partners.