Feeling Valued at Work: Shifting from Employee to Business Partner

?After 30 years of providing leadership development training and executive coaching, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of feeling valued in professional relationships with my clients. ?When they value you, you can hear it their language:

• "I wanted to get your ideas on this..."
• "I know you're experienced in this topic..."
• "I have a challenge on this project, could you weigh in?"
• “You’re a key part of our team…let’s figure out how to best do this for our customer.”

?In my work for large organizations, I'm also privy to hearing employees discuss their angst around this topic, not feeling truly valued as an experienced professional. ?It's not enough to be employed or simply provide a service. True fulfillment comes from feeling like a trusted partner—someone whose expertise and contributions are genuinely respected—not just being in a transactional relationship of: I work for you, you provide me a paycheck.

?For those of you working in a corporation, this might resonate. Perhaps you feel like your boss or team doesn’t fully recognize your value, leaving you with a sense that you’re just clocking in for a paycheck. But work should feel like more than that. You want to feel connected to a purpose, appreciated for your efforts, and empowered to grow. The good news? You don’t have to quit to achieve this.

?How to Advocate for Feeling Valued

1. Communicate Your Intentions

Many people shy away from expressing their deeper intentions about their work. They assume their boss or colleagues understand why they care, but often, this isn’t the case. Share your passion and goals with your manager. Let them know that you’re not just here to collect a paycheck—you’re here to contribute meaningfully.

?For example, you could say:

“I’d like to have a conversation about my role and contributions. I’m passionate about making a real impact here, and I want to ensure my efforts align with the team’s goals. Are there opportunities to collaborate more strategically?” ?Or if you're an outside partner to an organization like I am, it may sound like this: ?"I'd like to be your long-term, trusted partner, not just a vendor for a one-time transaction, in helping you meet your business needs. What may that look like to you?" ?

2. Define Your Value

Reflect on your unique strengths and how they align with the company’s goals. Whether it’s your problem-solving skills, ability to build relationships, or expertise in a specific area, articulating your value helps others see you as more than just a “doer.”

Consider framing your contributions in terms of outcomes. Instead of saying, “I managed this project,” you might say, “I spearheaded this project, which increased efficiency by 20% and saved the company $X in costs.”

3. Shift the Dynamic

?Building partnerships rather than transactional relationships takes time and effort. Approach your interactions with a collaborative mindset. Instead of waiting for direction, proactively share ideas and insights that could improve processes or outcomes.

In my experience, some of the strongest professional relationships are built on mutual respect and trust. When clients or colleagues see you as someone who brings innovative ideas and a flexible, collaborative style, they naturally begin to value you as a partner.

4. Seek Feedback and Recognition

?Don’t wait for annual reviews to understand where you stand. Regularly ask for feedback on your performance and impact. When you do, frame the conversation around growth and improvement:

“I’m always looking to improve and ensure my work aligns with the team’s goals. How do you think I could contribute even more effectively?”?

5. Cultivate Relationships

Strong workplace relationships are often the key to feeling valued. Take the time to connect with your colleagues, managers, and clients on a human level. Shared experiences and open communication create a foundation of trust and appreciation.

When Feeling Valued Becomes a Struggle

There will be times when your efforts to feel valued seem to go unnoticed. In these moments, remember that you have the power to redefine how you approach your work. Focus on the aspects of your job that bring you joy and fulfillment. Consider how your work aligns with your personal values and long-term goals. And if, after all this, you still feel undervalued, it might be time to explore other opportunities that better align with your needs and aspirations.

?Final Thoughts

?Feeling valued at work isn’t just about recognition or accolades—it’s about being seen and respected for what you bring to the table. Whether you’re leading a training session, managing a team, or contributing behind the scenes, your work matters. By communicating your intentions, defining your value, and building collaborative relationships, you can transition from feeling like just another employee to a trusted partner in your organization. The journey may not be easy, but it’s one worth taking—for your own sense of purpose and professional growth.

Your work is more than a paycheck. It’s a reflection of your passions, skills, and values. Advocate for that truth, and others will begin to see it too. And, if they don’t, and you’ve already made more effort as noted above, you have an important choice to make.

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