Let us do, “a little bit more”!

While COVID-19 frenzy continues to surround us, most organisations have adopted remote working strategies to support work amidst government restrictions, by leveraging digital technologies, thereby helping to flatten the Corona infections’ curve. Some organisations have refrained from any job cuts yet and have instead pledged large sums of money to support the Governments’ initiatives to tackle this behemoth pandemic. Some have even gone to the lengths of paying extra salaries to their employees as well. While these are great examples of CSRs (Corporate Social Responsibilities), it clearly demonstrates that Human Resources play a crucial role in the success of an organisation. More so, for the ones in the services industry.

We can see that organizations are trying their best to cope up with the current situation. However, have we ever questioned as to how are we employees approaching this? As citizens, we are doing our best by staying indoors and practicing social distancing but are we seeing an opportunity to walk the extra mile to deliver 2x value? Do we think and feel that we can use the ample time that is at our disposal to reflect and figure out opportunities in this adversity?

I think we should. However, how should we go about it?

As employees, we may have the necessary skills required to deliver great value to the clients but only a select few go above and beyond. Having said that, some of the employees are already working round the clock and walking the extra mile in supporting the business, clients and the wider teams. For example, the IT team may be working round the clock in getting the required infrastructure ready for the rest of the organization to support the ‘new normal’. The same goes for the supply chain industry/professionals who are ensuring that the essentials are being routed at the same or increased frequency to meet the spike in demand. Similarly, many other professions have stepped up, over and beyond their call of duty to support the adverse conditions at their behest.

BCP (Business Continuity Planning) has never been tested to the levels it is being tested these days, probably after the Second World War. We are seeing efforts made and actions taken at a war footing during peacetime. Can we create value in such adverse conditions? In a client-centric business, BCP is the real test of a partner’s commitment. Hence, we should ensure that we deliver better value to our stakeholders by moving out of our comfort zone, working hard and staying focussed to adapt to the changing needs. High focus shall lead to high efficiency, which is a dire need for the present times. High efficiency needs to be married with high productivity by breaking the silos, leveraging synergy amongst wider teams and collaborating across horizontals and verticals by sharing resources. Add to this, proactive & regular communication plays a very important role in the entire ecosystem, be it with your employees, teams, partners, suppliers, customers, government, media, etc. This is the time to prove your mettle by moving up in the client’s value chain and becoming a long-term partner.

So, go ahead and surprise your stakeholders. Reach out to them to check if they need any additional help and volunteer for the same, as this is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate. You can learn a new skill by helping your colleagues. Stretch your imagination by thinking about what more can be done in situations like these to make a difference or at least to stay afloat. Go for certifications that will help you to strengthen your domain knowledge and eventually contribute directly to your organization and clients' success. Communication is also key here. Stay closer to your team by connecting with them, preferably through video where possible. Use these times, to help you to find out your strengths and core values.

Think about organization success, to see how to increase revenue, reduce cost, thereby, improving the profitability of the organization and this could be a perfect opportunity to differentiate in the market place and to stay ahead of the curve by winning clients’, partners’ & employees’ hearts.

You can become a competitive differentiator by walking the extra mile and by delivering value consistently!

In these challenging times, if possible, let us do our bit as every little help.

“Four short words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more.” ~ A. Lou Vickery

Stay safe.