When it comes to jobs, very few come to a workplace asking, “What can I contribute?” Alas, we are more likely to ask, “What’s in it for me?”
But Peter Drucker’s quote reminds me when we are inwardly focused, we miss out. What if we see a job as an opportunity to contribute something only we can give?
Each of us is unique in our talents, experiences, and personalities. We have skills that no one else has. Perhaps that is exactly why we are in the position we are today for a very specific purpose.
Instead of asking, “What can I get out of this?” Perhaps the better question is, “What can I do today that adds value to my organization?”
When we feel led to move onto a new adventure, it can feel exciting. The adrenaline flows as we negotiate all the tasks and plans. But there are complications. The problem with moving on is that there are always the great relationships we leave behind.
My wife and I have moved on to a new adventue. Ministry is taking us to someplace new. While we will be joining some family at our destination, we will be leaving a majority of them a bit in Indiana and Ohio.
In addition, we got reaquainted with old friends when we came back, and made new ones. Our lives were richer for it.
So another problem with moving on is the trunkload of mixed emotions. We know we are heading in the right direction. Yet, we can’t help glancing one more time in the rearview mirror as we set out on a new trek.
There will be challenges and uncertainty in our new assignment. Then again, we fool ourselves into believing if we stay put, there is certainty. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that there is much more that is out of our control than any of us would like to admit.
We are under no allusions that the next place will be perfect. We will face new challenges along with familiar ones. After all, we take our old selves to the new place.
There are problems with going and problems with staying. But if I could, I’d take all my friends and loved ones along with us.
In 1988, I was a graphic designer for National Printing Plate, in Indianapolis. They made printing plates for the flexographic industry. It was a good job, and I enjoyed the people I worked with. I married Paula in December 1988. Life was humming along.
Unfortunately, in January 1989, the business suffered a fire. Not only was I newly married, but I was newly unemployed. This motivated me to find work quick! I didn’t want my new father-in-law to think I couldn’t provide for his daughter.
If you were Black Friday shopping today, my hat goes off to you! Me? I’m hunkering down and waiting for the crowds to subside before I do some Christmas shopping. December 23 at 11:55 PM sounds like a good time to start!
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