The art of "Adding Value"

We have all been there... whether it was a former colleague, someone from the same network organisation, or even someone you went to school with. That person, probably very nice, not a bad person, but someone that just didn't add any value to you.

Don't get me wrong, not everything is about adding value. And the majority of your daily encounters outside your close relations are with people you don't need to relate to or add value to. But you can probably think of at least one person, that you had to relate to or be connected with, even for a short while, and they just don't do ANYTHING for you. Waste of time.

Now, consider, what if that person was yourself. That it was you that didn't add any value to the people around you?

What me? No, not me... and if anyone thinks that, then they are crazy, and I don't even want to add any value to them....

Probably a common reaction. But if we look ourselves hard in the mirror, we can probably think of a situation, where we should maybe have added a little value, but absolutely didn't.

I believe Adding Value is an art. And some people master that art, exquisitely. But the thing is, it doesn't have to be that hard. Often, it begins with just listening and paying attention. That gives insight and understanding. And once you have that, the trick is to mentally ask yourself this question: "What can I do, or who do I know, that may be able to add value?"

More often than not, you actually can, and even without breaking a sweat.

And even if you really can't help the person, just listening and take that person serious adds value.

I work in Executive Search. I assist companies finding the best talent on the market. And I assist people in finding the new dream job.

As rewarding as that is, (And it really is great!) I also spend a lot of my time connecting with people, that I don't necessarily can place anytime soon in a new role.

But every time I meet a new person, I always consider, what can I do to help, or do I know anybody that can. Not necessarily anything major, but something. And it may not be immediately, but sometimes further down the road. And often, it's not even career related.

And why? A philanthropist? No, not at all. But I'd rather be that person that adds value, than the person that doesn't. And as my late Grandfather used to live by: "What goes around, comes around."

Have a great day, and add some value!

Peter Mangaard

Managing Partner, Mangaard & Partners