Online Reporter
Rutendo Gwatidzo
Changing Perspectives
A FEW years ago, I met a young accounts clerk in a manufacturing company in Harare.
His job description was simple. He was supposed to capture invoices and file receipts.
But, every afternoon after finishing his work, he quietly helped the procurement team analyse prices and compare suppliers. No one asked him to and no one paid him extra.
Two years later, when the company created a new role in supply chain management, he did not even apply for the vacancy. The role came looking for him.
That, is how opportunities behave. They rarely announce themselves. They quietly “steal” people who are already prepared.
Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Organisational Status!
For most employees in many organisations, work feels like punishment.
Many of us treat our jobs like punishment. We count hours. We watch the clock and we complain about salaries, bosses, or systems. We do only what is written in the job description.
We even leave some critical tasks unfinished just because it will be time to stop working according to the given contract. Even when the client tells us they are in urgent need of our services, we still leave the task incomplete just because we were not promised overtime pay.
Come tomorrow, the client is not happy, our services are no longer needed and before we realise it, we may lose the client. After all, it was probably that one time only that the client asked you to go an extra mile. Then we pray for promotion or a better job. But the workplace does not reward mediocrity, it rewards high value.
Turning Work Into Passion!
When you treat your job like a hobby, something powerful happens. You stop working only for survival and start working with curiosity, excitement and pride. You start asking better questions, you improve small processes and you build skills without being forced.
Oprah Winfrey once said, “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
Preparation Meets Opportunity!
At one local bank, a junior customer service officer taught herself basic data analysis using free online tools. She helped prepare branch performance reports. When head office launched a digital project, she was selected not because of her title but, because of her attitude. Today, she is counted among successful national leaders as she heads a national team now. Let chance find you prepared, not the other way round.
What Employers Look Out For!
In difficult economic times, employers are watching more closely than ever. They are not only looking for qualifications. They are looking for problem-solvers and people who care. Culture and attitude is critical in corporate settings. I’m reminded of a retail chain store in Bindura, where a supervisor redesigned the stock-taking process without being asked to and reduced losses by 20 percent. When a management role opened, she was promoted without lobbying.
John C Maxwell says, “Small disciplines repeated daily lead to great achievements over time.”
The Bible says, “Do you see a man diligent in his work? He will stand before kings.” (Proverbs 22:29).
Talent Is Common But, Character Is Rare!
Talent is common. Sadly, commitment is rare. Opportunities do not chase certificates, they chase character. Character can promote you more than your talent does. While talent and skills are good, you need character to complete the equation to success and significance.
Execute beyond the office!
The principle of excellence applies beyond offices. It applies to the market vendor, the farmer, teacher, tailor, and even the small business owner, just to mention a few.
For instance, when a hairdresser improves her skills in treating clients well, customers recommend her. Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming and people will board the one in which they are treated well. Handle small responsibilities well and you will be trusted with bigger ones.
Opportunities do not knock loudly most of the times. They arrive quietly and take only those who are ready.
This week, be inspired, encouraged or challenged to choose one small thing at work, in business, or at home that you will do better than before. Serve with excellence as if you are being watched even when no one is physically watching you. And, before you realise it, the results of what you do will cause relevant people to notice you. Do not wait for motivation or permission, just get started. Build value quietly because one day, when opportunity comes looking, it will find you ready and take you where effort alone never could.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is a human capital executive and managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy. She is a multi-Award winning leader, transformational speaker and coach. She is also the author of Born to Fight and Breaking the Silence books. Contact details — 0714575805/ [email protected] / Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official FB public page.
