As we head to the end of the year, I want to discuss hope!
Hopefulness is an attitude reflecting a belief or having the optimism that the outcome of some specific endeavour will be positive, favourable, and desirable. At work, this is crucial now.
But for hope or optimism to take hold of you, you have to start with taking ownership of your thoughts, words, and actions. And you need to be acutely aware of your responsibility in this.
Every task that you do, from simple management responsibilities to leading the most multifaceted and intricate projects, is a direct reflection of you as a professional, and someone who is skilled in a particular field.
This is what you would have "advertised" when seeking the job, you are in.
In this present climate, your own economic safety is predicated on your skills, knowledge, and reputation. It is therefore essential for you to take ownership of your work, and ensure that it reflects positively on you as someone qualified and who has the proficiency for that work.
The best way to firmly establish yourself as the "go-to" person for your bosses and team, is to demonstrate honest passion for your work. As a business owner myself, I have the highest regard for members of my team who display this appetite and craving for their work.
I know when I have someone working in my team who has this kind of genuine passion, it becomes contagious for others. People take signals from others, and tend to mimic emotions and attitudes.
If you have ever worked with a co-worker who is enthusiastic and passionate in their job, their excitement becomes quite infectious.
Equally, I have had the experience of working with a colleague who was so negative, downtrodden and ambivalent about the work we were both doing, and every day, work was a tedious grind. Eventually, I realised I was becoming as disengaged as him.
As an entrepreneur and business owner, I know what kind of person I prefer to have in my team.
So, as we coast into the new year, intensify your resolve to showcase your enthusiasm for your work through each meeting you are involved in; every task you are given; and every project you lead.
For leaders or managers, this becomes even more crucial.
At times, the line between leadership and management is blurred. It is perhaps part of the same position, but there are certainly contrasting ways to display your ownership.
Managers have the unique ability to create value for themselves, their team, and their company by working with a keen sense of passion and commitment, to achieve results. You must engage team members, colleagues and customers.
For this, own and run efficient, purposeful meetings. Lead with an agenda and focus on the task at hand and ensure that all ideas are heard and considered in a respectful manner. Stop wasting everyone's time by grandstanding or showing how clever you are. Be efficient with time usage.
Your task is to offer clarity on objectives. The team you manage will work best when they know how their efforts fit into the grander picture for the company.
Much of your work as a manger, revolves around following through on key processes. Consequently, look and listen for opportunities to simplify complex or inefficient procedures, and improve quality and service delivery.
Outstanding managers focus on results and try to create great experiences for everyone.
The greatest honour at work is to be a leader.
You can make the ultimate difference in people's lives. Your role is to guide others safely, and securely to a particular destination.
And, while you are on this leadership journey, you have the task of inspiring, teaching, supporting, and developing your team. You will be required to help individuals navigate the challenges of their careers and even their lives. This is what a leader does.
You must start by asking yourself this question. "What will my team say, I did for them at the end of our time working together?" This becomes your mission and purpose.
I aspire to become an effective leader. This means I constantly remind myself about my purpose for myself and my team. And, go all-out to align my everyday actions toward this purpose.
Through my career, I had mentors who taught me. Today, I understand the value of teaching. I have realised that my role as a leader is less about telling, and much more about supporting the development of key skills and practices.
From helping your team members improve as decision-makers to identifying and supporting emerging leaders in your team, leaders serve as educators.
Ultimately, I have to stand for something. In my experience, great leaders are driven by a particular set of values. They identify with it, and live it every day.
So, if you truly want your post-pandemic life to still be on a growth trajectory, take ownership and build on your reservoirs of hope, confidence and buoyancy. And remember, it is not mindless optimism but hope that is founded on self-efficacy.
Shankar R. Santhiram is managing consultant and executive leadership coach at EQTD Consulting. He is also the author of the national bestseller "So, You Want To Get Promoted?
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
