How We Value Ourselves and How Others See Our Value
by Gerry Rose, Integrity Networking Solutions, Business Consultant
 

When was the last time you were complimented on a job well done?  Has anyone ever said, “Your work is excellent!”  All too often many of us will scoff saying, “Thanks, it was nothing.”  You are told that your committee meeting input was over the top.  We hear the praise, however, often we fail to see our own value.

Recently, I was delivering a presentation to a group of clients.  I observed a participant in the audience who I had known for years.  During this one-hour networking talk, I observed this person taking two pages of detailed notes.  This is an individual who has owned a small business for twenty plus years in the same city.  She is a pillar of our community. This woman would be defined by most in our city as a networking dynamo. From my point in front of the lectern, she should have been giving my speech.   Yet she wrote two pages of notes.  She saw value in me.  More value than I saw in myself.  A week or two later she hired me to work with her and her employees to attract the right prospects and generate more referrals.  This was a life-changing event for me.

Working with a client who is making a transition into the non-profit arena, she invited a number of her associates to participate in a two-hour brainstorming session on how to feed the homeless.  When asked to participate, most were humbled by her request, and many stated that they had little to offer.  When the group was together, each individual excelled in what they brought to the table.  It was a powerful meeting with exceptional results.

As we grow in our place of expertise, often we do not realize what we bring to the table.   We are so close to the things we do and create frequently that we see little value or uniqueness in what we do.  Those who are closest to us also have a limited perspective on what our value is to others.  We might be the best providers, yet because our “significant others” are so close to us, often they lose sight of our true value.

The purpose of this article is to look beyond the immediate value to ourselves and to those who are closest to us.  Look to those who hold us in higher regard.  It is important to recognize with humility our successes.  I am not suggesting blowing your horn, hailing your success and value.  I am suggesting that you listen to praise directed your way, and accessing the value of the comments.

I have heard it said that we are doomed to failure once we start believing the good things that are said or written about us.  That may very well be true.  There is an area between boasting and humility that is a fine line.  I am suggesting you recognize your strengths and continue to work toward strengthening them.  Use your skills for the better good of your fellow man.  Stand up and be considered an expert in your field based on the hard work that you put into your chosen work.

Recognize your value and share it where it can help.  Develop your talents in areas where others can benefit from your hard work.  Become a leader once you recognize how you can lead.  Take leadership roles in non-profits, community and business organizations.  Support roles should be considered where you want to learn more.  Add to your talents by writing books and articles. Become a public speaker.

Teach yourself to recognize your success and your ability to lead in your chosen field of expertise.  Give yourself credit where others think it is due.  You will find that when used with humility the upside will be a stronger support of doing more good.