"Beyond the Routine: Why Adding Value Is Key to Your Survival"

Let me tell you a story about an employee named Raj. Raj treated his work like a daily routine—the same way one brushes their teeth in the morning or commutes to the office. He came in, completed his tasks, and left on time. Raj wasn’t lazy or careless; he did what was expected of him. But that was it. There was no spark, no initiative, no going beyond the basics. While many employers might initially feel that having an employee like Raj is enough—someone who does their job reliably without causing disruptions—the cracks start to show when the company looks to grow and adapt. Decades ago, this kind of approach might have been sufficient, but in today’s world where everything is evolving rapidly, will an employee like Raj survive? Over time, as the industry evolved and new challenges emerged, Raj’s approach began to hold the company back. His output, while adequate, wasn’t contributing to growth of the company in any way. There was no extra bit coming from him apart from what he was doing day in and day out. The company started to feel the strain, and eventually, Raj was asked to leave. It was a tough decision, but one driven by the realization that simply doing a job isn’t enough in today’s dynamic environment.

So I want to ask you today: “Are you being paid to do your job, or to do a good job?” This is a question that not only employees but employers need to think about. It’s a conversation worth having, and one that I believe is crucial for both personal and organizational growth.

Let’s be honest, it’s common for employees to seek growth, promotions, and benefits. And that’s perfectly reasonable—we all want to progress. But here’s where it gets interesting: how often do we step back and assess our own value to the company? If you stop adding value, sooner or later, the company will realize they can move forward without you. Harsh? Maybe. True? Absolutely. Even Elon Musk didn’t hesitate to trim hundreds of jobs when efficiency was at stake, and his companies didn’t miss a beat. The lesson? No one is immune. So you might ask yourself, “I am just counting notes in the counter, how can I continually add value to the organisation?” This is a relevant question as in the first instant it may feel that innovation and creativity may not be possible in everything we do- but that’s how a person without the spark would think. Engineering teaches us that an engine starts with a spark, but I say that this is not limited to engines alone, its relevant in our lives as well. If you want to kick start your engine then we have to keep the spark on. We have to ask ourselves, “What can I do to make the work I am doing better?”

With the rapid pace of technological advancements, we’re seeing more jobs shift to digitization and automation. Companies are looking for employees who can adapt, innovate, and find ways to make processes smoother and more effective. So, it’s no longer enough to simply come in, complete your checklist, and go home. You have to go beyond that. You have to ask yourself: what am I doing that makes a difference? Am I helping my team grow, or am I just occupying a chair?

Now, I know what you’re thinking: shouldn’t personal development be supported by the company? Sure, companies should invest in their people, but let’s face it—companies are going to invest in areas that align with their goals. It’s up to you to take charge of your own growth. Don’t wait for someone to hand you opportunities on a silver platter. If you want to stay relevant, you have to be proactive. Read, learn, upskill—do whatever it takes to ensure you’re not just coasting along but actively contributing.

And let’s talk about those employees who are content with just doing their bit, day in and day out. You know the type: they clock in, do their work, clock out, and that’s it. These people might survive for a while, but they’re not going to thrive. The reality is that innovation and creativity isn’t just for tech wizards or people in high-level strategy roles. It’s for everyone. Whether you’re in accounting, logistics, marketing, or operations, there’s always room to improve what you’re doing.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when employees stop thinking beyond their immediate tasks. It’s frustrating, to say the least. When someone goes out of their way to find solutions or thinks about how their work contributes to the company’s growth, it stands out. And trust me, management notices. Which brings me back to the earlier question: are you just doing your job, or are you doing a good job?

Now, here’s a twist. This isn’t just about employees hustling harder. It’s also about how management responds to those who do add value. If someone is constantly finding new ways to contribute and make a difference, shouldn’t they be recognized and rewarded? This is where employers need to step up. You’re paying your employees to do their jobs, sure—but are you paying them to do a great job? Because if you expect your team to go the extra mile, show them it’s worth their while. A little acknowledgment, a raise, or even just a simple “thank you” can go a long way.

So, if you’re an employee, take a moment to think: what are you doing to stay valuable? And if you’re an employer, ask yourself if you’re nurturing and rewarding those who go above and beyond. It’s a two-way street. Growth happens when employees push themselves and when companies create an environment where that effort is appreciated.

The bottom line? You need to decide for yourself, do you want to be a Raj? Or do you wish to be someone who innovates, adapts, and makes sure that when someone asks, “Are you doing a good job?” the answer is an enthusiastic, undeniable “yes.”

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Capt. Shoukat Mukherjee

Founder & CEO, The Naval Connection

[email protected]

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