First, I must apologize that I did not write a lessons learned for Episode 12. Because Episode 12 was chock full of business lessons, I am still working on detailing those lessons.  For those who don’t remember, Episode 12 featured Stanley being insubordinate. I vow that a business lessons post will be forthcoming. I might wait for The Office season to be over so I can give this episode its proper focus.

For Episode 13, I want to concentrate on Jim. In Episode 12, Jim was reprimanded by Ryan for essentially goofing off and not taking his job seriously. Instead of complaining or whining, Jim decides to make a change. He states, “I’m doing something I’ve never done before in this job. Try.” In this episode, we see Jim take a prospective client on a golf outing. He attempts to close the sale multiple times but fails. However, he doesn’t give up. Through persistance, he closes the sale.

I want to republish an article I wrote from my personal website, rondesi.com. I think it is prudent to share in light of Jim’s performance in last night’s episode.

Let me ask you a basic question. Are you valuable to your employer? I’m not talking about “doing your job” or filling a space at your desk. I’m talking about going above and beyond. Do you ask questions no one else asks? Do you do more than is expected? Are you engaged in your work? Are you an inspiration to your co-workers?

I will assume that since you are reading this blog, you are interested in succeeding. To succeed, you need to do what others won’t. I would guess that 65% of all employees do exactly what they are suppose to do and 10% do less. That means only 25% add value (it is probably less than 25% but let’s be positive). It is these 25% who earn the money and get the promotions.

Success is not accidental. Again, success is NOT accidental. Think about any successful person you admire. I bet that person added value in all they did. Sure, they made mistakes, but overall, they added value to their employers, their bosses, their customers, to everyone who they came in contact with.

Here are few easy steps to add value each day:

1. Download The Add Value Worksheet.
2. Review your job description.
   Dig out your job description. Sure, you haven’t looked at it since you were hired, but get it out and note all of your responsibilities. Write them in the Add Value Worksheet.
3. Review additional work activities.
   Next, take some time to think of everything else you are expected to do but aren’t  in your job description. Add these to the list.
4. Rate your Value Score on the worksheet.
   Be honest on this one.
5. Collaborate with your boss.
   Don’t complete the worksheet in a vacuum. Ask your boss how you can add more value. Share the completed worksheet with him/her. You don’t want to add tasks to your day that you think add value when in reality your boss sees them as time-wasters. In addition, your boss may think of great ideas you may have never considered.
6. Craft an Action Plan.
   For those items where you rated yourself as a 1 or a 2, create an action plan to add value. Think of concrete ways you can add value to your expected responsibility. What can you do each day that will “WOW” your boss, co-workers, subordinates, or customers?

After you complete the worksheet it is time to act! Post the list in your cube or office. Each day make sure you are following your action plan. It will not be easy, but remember, success doesn’t come easy.