Two interesting posts from Forbes and HBR represent a complimentary picture of how one should set the attitude towards her career and life.
The headline “if you build, they/it will come” is really the essence of it.
Our human nature is naturally biased towards short term gains. We often ask the question of what’s in it for me now? and once we decided we don’t like the answer, we avoid actions that could actually have enormous value in our future. Examples are across the board – from doing homework to taking the time to think through a pension plan.
Our social capital is no different. “Investing” in it doesn’t always bear immediate fruit. A great gesture you can do to someone in need today can turn out as the biggest decision you ever made 20 years later. How would you know which of your actions would bear the most fruit? you won’t – it’s almost impossible to guess (most people find it surprising in retrospect). This is why you are only limited by how authentic and caring you could really be. As been mentioned here a few times in past posts, you need to be authentic. You should feel comfortable and honest. Otherwise you are in for a disappointment. It’s less about how big is your network but how authentic you keep it. Start by building authentic relationships and add more gradually to your ability.
Now let’s define attitude. It could have many facets. Obviously, you can help others. BUT, you can also seek help. Seeking help is a strong way to build a relationship. It shows other sides of your personality which allow others to connect better with you. Seeking help can also come in the shape of asking for feedback at work and learning about what you are good at and what you can improve upon. Attitude can also be about promoting others. Share your success and others would be grateful. Undoubtedly, this is not the case in every industry. But if you work in a merit-based environment (and not a political one), your actions would be recognized.
Hopefully it would be helpful for you and you will feel satisfaction as quickly as possible. Seed with love and they will come…
(picture copyright by lylamerle - creative common - http://www.flickr.com/photos/lylamerle/1313168353/)
