As an employee, it can be easy to fall into the comfort zone of “that’s not my job” or “that’s someone else’s job.”

While this mindset doesn’t happen overnight, and isn’t necessarily intentional, it’s also not particularly useful or helpful to your organization.

So, as an employee (an individual contributor), what can you do to become more valuable everyday and be better positioned to be adaptable and helpful in times of change?

Learn as much as you can about your organization.

History. People. Aspirations. Customers. Goals.

Figure out where you think you fit and how well-aligned you are with the mission.

Ask questions. Find ways to contribute.

This is a process – not one and done. It’s ongoing. So don’t put pressure on yourself to learn everything in an instant.

But you can start today. Small steps. Crawl, walk, run.

Have a positive attitude.

Appreciate why decision-makers look to make changes to the way things are done, the technologies that are used, or the goals that are pursued.

In my experience, more times than not (pretty much always), change comes from a desire for improvement.

Change does not come from a desire to make things worse, even though you may sometimes feel like you are literally the reason a big bad decision has been made. At times, decisions that create change can have negative (usually short term) effects. But the intent is to make things better for the organization.

Have a “can do” attitude.

Be that person who is willing to go the extra mile or otherwise take on a special project. Put your hand up. Volunteer. Be the one.

The chairman at the company I worked for straight out of school used to say, “If it is to me, it’s up to me.” I think that’s pretty good.

Leonard Bernstein, the American conductor and composer said…

“I’m no longer quite sure what the question is, but I do know the answer is Yes.”

Be good at what you do.

Regardless of role or title, be as good as you can be at what you do. Try your best. Always. You may not always feel that every output is your best work but you certainly should try.

Not long ago (on TikTok), I came across this video, in which Scott Galloway describes that “following your passion” is the worst advice for young people.

His advice was to find what you’re good at and continue to develop your capabilities. As you become great at it (no matter what the job is), you will also become passionate about it. And that will fuel your success further.

I think Abraham Lincoln would have agreed. He offered this perspective more than 150 years ago…

“Whatever you are, be a good one.”

Learn. Be positive. Say yes. Be good at what you do.

These are simple concepts. You don’t need anyone else to give you direction or explain these. You can start today.

PS – they apply to leaders too…

Have a great week!