THE `I, ME, myself' syndrome is the driving force in our lives. We are forever working in the vain pursuit of that coveted promotion or raise and spending what could have been quality time trying to meet deadlines. This keeps us perpetually lodged in a quagmire of personal problems. Helping others is a trait that not many can boast of.
In a competitive world, you do have to put yourself first, but this should not stop you from being helpful. You can help yourself by helping others. It is the underlying principle of civilisation. Looking beyond your own problems and reaching to others - be it colleagues, superiors or subordinates will give you greater self-esteem and satisfaction with your work you're your life. As positive thinking proponent Zig Ziglar advocates, You will get everything that you want if you just help enough other people get what they want.
This does not mean that you have to put on a pair of wings and turn into an angel. Nor does it mean that do you have to put your own head on the chopping block every time your colleague goofs up. What it means is that if somebody needs your help you give it to them. Small altruistic gestures can go a long way in making you popular. It may defeat the purpose of being altruistic in the first place but it will get you that promotion.
So, the next time around, smile when you see your colleague down the hall. Pause to ask how he is doing with his latest project. And then, if he says, `Not too well. If only I had another laptop... ' offer yours if you are not using it. Take the time to visit an ill associate and ply him with words of sympathy. Linger long enough to thank a peer who has helped you out.
Become the person others turn to when the chips are down. How do you do this? By genuinely listening to their problems and coming up with solutions. When you see someone limping because of an injured knee, do not complain about your aching back; instead try and recommend a good doctor he can see.
Be a reliable and steady resource for your subordinates. Encourage them to overcome their shortcomings. If you have to criticise, make sure you are objective about it. Be free with your advice and share your expertise with your peers and subordinates when necessary. Let them know if you are pleased with their work and take pride in commending them. Help them achieve their goals, not because you want their loyalty but simply because you want them to succeed.
Be loyal and grateful to your employer. Stand by him in his time of need and be willing to do a good turn when the occasion demands it. Helping others will put you head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd, as it will showcase your willingness and ability to work in a team. This is what they call a win-win formula. As the name suggests, everybody wins. You benefit by helping others. What's more it triggers a cascade of positive events and wins you smiles, approvals and reciprocated help. And, if you are lucky, it will give you that promotion you have so eagerly been waiting for!
With a busy work schedule, it may not strike you to go the extra mile to help others. Attempt to take out the time to make someone else happy for a change. Also remember never to make a song and dance of your noble deeds. Combine your efforts with a good dose of practicality and realism. Strike the middle path between selfishness and selflessness.
As the saying goes, `Happiness and fulfilment will come to you not when you are making yourself the centre of your universe but when you forget yourself and look outside.'
In a competitive world, you do have to put yourself first, but this should not stop you from being helpful. You can help yourself by helping others. It is the underlying principle of civilisation. Looking beyond your own problems and reaching to others - be it colleagues, superiors or subordinates will give you greater self-esteem and satisfaction with your work you're your life. As positive thinking proponent Zig Ziglar advocates, You will get everything that you want if you just help enough other people get what they want.
This does not mean that you have to put on a pair of wings and turn into an angel. Nor does it mean that do you have to put your own head on the chopping block every time your colleague goofs up. What it means is that if somebody needs your help you give it to them. Small altruistic gestures can go a long way in making you popular. It may defeat the purpose of being altruistic in the first place but it will get you that promotion.
So, the next time around, smile when you see your colleague down the hall. Pause to ask how he is doing with his latest project. And then, if he says, `Not too well. If only I had another laptop... ' offer yours if you are not using it. Take the time to visit an ill associate and ply him with words of sympathy. Linger long enough to thank a peer who has helped you out.
Become the person others turn to when the chips are down. How do you do this? By genuinely listening to their problems and coming up with solutions. When you see someone limping because of an injured knee, do not complain about your aching back; instead try and recommend a good doctor he can see.
Be a reliable and steady resource for your subordinates. Encourage them to overcome their shortcomings. If you have to criticise, make sure you are objective about it. Be free with your advice and share your expertise with your peers and subordinates when necessary. Let them know if you are pleased with their work and take pride in commending them. Help them achieve their goals, not because you want their loyalty but simply because you want them to succeed.
Be loyal and grateful to your employer. Stand by him in his time of need and be willing to do a good turn when the occasion demands it. Helping others will put you head and shoulders above the rest of the crowd, as it will showcase your willingness and ability to work in a team. This is what they call a win-win formula. As the name suggests, everybody wins. You benefit by helping others. What's more it triggers a cascade of positive events and wins you smiles, approvals and reciprocated help. And, if you are lucky, it will give you that promotion you have so eagerly been waiting for!
With a busy work schedule, it may not strike you to go the extra mile to help others. Attempt to take out the time to make someone else happy for a change. Also remember never to make a song and dance of your noble deeds. Combine your efforts with a good dose of practicality and realism. Strike the middle path between selfishness and selflessness.
As the saying goes, `Happiness and fulfilment will come to you not when you are making yourself the centre of your universe but when you forget yourself and look outside.'
PAYAL AGARWAL
No comments:
Post a Comment