Put Pride In Performance

E. Carol Webster, Ph.D. 
Copyright ©  2006

You know who you are. The one who’s been in the same job too long. Your lack of enthusiasm for your work shows. While you’re entitled to your feelings, your lack of zeal for what you’re doing discourages the people around you and dampens the atmosphere in your workplace. Since it’s easier to change jobs than it was in the past, you’re making a clear decision to stay where you are. So put a little energy into figuring out how you can feel better about this job and motivate yourself to perform well so that others can feel better about being there too.

We leave a legacy wherever we work. Make yours a positive one. You automatically gain a certain amount of prestige as a function of seniority, so take pride in this. Will you be remembered as one who brought excellence to the workplace? Or as a slacker whose apathy flattened morale and caused those who started out wanting to do a good job to become cynical and unmotivated too? Be able to look back upon your tenure with your head held high. Make your name one that is associated with success.   

Instead of lying low, stealthily maintaining mediocre performance, step into the limelight. Remind people what you do well – how you got this far in your career. Gain positive attention for the knowledge and experience you’ve gained. Display leadership. Seek opportunities to teach others. Volunteer to run a training workshop or to work with the planning team on new services for the company. Add value in meetings. Volunteer to represent your organization at the community event your boss isn’t free to attend.  Even if you don’t rise to a higher position of authority, there are other ways for you to guide, teach, and direct others. Adopt mentees. This is a meaningful way to become known for your expertise and to pass your wisdom along to others so that you make a difference long after you’ve left that workplace.

Often, people who are just getting by on the job are doing this because they are riddled with resentment. They feel passed over for promotional opportunities and unrewarded for their and expertise. Many companies take long-timers for granted because it may take a little more work to figure out how to show appreciation to them after so many years. Speak up. Let management know what would help you feel more valued in the workplace – what tasks and activities you’d find stimulating. There’s no guarantee you’ll get what you ask for. But you certainly can’t get it if you don’t ask

Take pride in your work performance. Make a difference. The zest to excel will excite others, boost team spirit, improve the products or services you provide to clients, and is more befitting the reputation of one with your admirable level of experience and expertise.

About the Author: