The Broccoli Effect

Dear Designer,

Scene: You go to France and know the food is going to be exceptional. You look forward to it and expect it.

But what happens is because you expect the steak to melt in your mouth, the sauce to make you moan, and the potatoes to make your tastebuds shimmy, it doesn't quite surprise you.

You are not unpleased but you aren't surprised either. What does blow your mind?

The frickin’ broccoli.

Me taking a photo of a piece of broccoli because it's so damn good and the best broccoli I've ever had.

This is what your career needs. You need to add that broccoli.

Keyword: Add. Everything else still has to be on the plate. Because if you order a steak and potatoes meal, you can’t just be served a plate of fabulous broccoli. No matter how good it is, you’re going to be upset. So let’s talk about this plate in terms of your career:

The expectations of the plate:

1. Everything needs to be on the plate. You were hired to fulfill a role with a specific set of responsibilities, so you’ve got to do that work. You’ve got to get the work done.
2. It needs to be good. When you order and pay for food, you don’t just expect it to have the components. You expect it or at least hope for it to taste good, right? You’ve got to do good work. Not the minimum.
3. Consistency When you order the dish again, you expect everything to be on the plate again, and that it tastes as good as the last time. This is what keeps you coming back You need to get things done, and get it done consistently

Now, for the Broccoli Effect: How to add a broccoli explosion to your career plate

1. Don’t just do good work, do great work. Why? Because almost everyone else around you is doing the minimum. This doesn’t mean their designs are bad. They are just bogged down with work too and are trying to get everything done that they don’t put in their best. The bonus to this is when you start putting in more effort, you will start to enjoy your work more too.
2. Throw in a few extra pieces. Now that you know what the minimum expectations are, as long as you’re checking those things off the list, you get to add the flourishes. Design a few extra pieces for the line. These designs will be completely yours--you've already done what was required so throw out the rules for these and focus on wow-ing yourself.

This recipe right here is THE foundation for creating a successful career where you get to love what you do and get paid what you deserve.

This is how you become an invaluable employee, no matter what company you’re at.

If you’re looking for a seasoned chef to help with your career plate, the wow broccoli, or both, I got you. Fill out this quick form or you can call me here and I can answer any questions you might have.

Your personal career chef,

Grace