The Value You Bring

“Try not to become a human of success. Rather become a human of value.” 
                                                             ― Albert Einstein

The value you bring does not come from:

• your title.
• your position.
• the buzz words you use.
• your ability to schmooze.
• your willingness to play political games.
• the size of your ego.
• the number of people you know.
• the number of people who know you.
• the number of presentations you have made.
• the conferences you have attended.
• the titles of books on your desk.
• the number of compliments and acknowledgments you have received.
• the hours you work.
• the number of projects that you take on.

The value that you bring does not even come from the money you make.

Or even, the year that you were great.

________

The value you bring comes from:

• your empathy for others.
• your ability to leave your ego at the door.
• your willingness to embrace the complex and say: “I don’t know.”
• your resolve in determining, clarifying, and articulating (so everyone can understand) what matters.
• the time you spend doing what matters.
• the occasions you spotlight others and step back.
• the alignment between your words and actions.
• your willingness to roll up your sleeves and do the work.
• your ability to say no. No, that doesn’t align with my beliefs.
• your authentic vulnerability.
• your willingness to change your opinion.
• the tenderness of your heart.
• the value you place on feedback and reflection.
• the times you say sorry and mean it.
• the moments you are completely present.
• your willingness to reach across divides and hold your hand patiently.

The value that you bring may not even be noticed. But rest assured you are valuable.

________

What value do you bring?