While I love working in an environment with good teamwork, sometimes the best way to improve your productivity and performance is by being more selfish at work. Why do you need to become concerned chiefly with your own personal profit or pleasure? Survival and growth.
In a complex, ever changing business world, it’s a good idea to look after your own interests. Surprisingly, these will often match up with a company goal.
Why aren’t you doing these things right now? Because you’ve probably become addicted to helping out. It can be tempting to put your professional needs second to others. Being a little more selfish at work can mean a lot more to your future.
If the idea of being more selfish on the job makes you nervous, then give yourself a round of applause. Anyone who is truly selfish, wouldn’t react that way. So, you’re still a good person but I’m guessing that your efficiency needs a boost because you probably feel like you never have enough time to get the important things done.
Don’t worry. Being more selfish doesn’t mean you have to be rude or mean to people, much like a 1980’s TV drama, like Dallas. Think of it as giving yourself a fair advantage. It’s one that can help move your career arc in the right direction.
Be Selfish at Work By Honoring Your Responsibilities First
Do the job that you’re paid to do. This honors your primary responsibilities. If you have extra time, then help out others with their projects. Or see if you have a skill that you could contribute during your downtime.
You may wonder why you shouldn’t drop everything when someone needs assistance. Only you can answer this question, as you know your work culture, but is helping out something that will increase your pay? Will others help you if the situation is reversed?
These answers should define your “helping” philosophy and not the need to be liked. You shouldn’t have to subsidize other people during your time on the job.
Be Selfish at Work By Protecting Your Time
Since when did closing your door become a bad thing? If being unavailable is what you need to accomplish your goals, then do it. Most problems can wait and I’ve been told that email and voicemail are useful tools for connecting when doors are closed.
Be Selfish at Work By Prioritizing Your Time
In many businesses, there are opportunities to serve on committees, in and out of the office. Often, they involve doing nothing more than scooping ice cream and blowing up balloons.
While you may be tempted to pursue these extra duties, is your professional goal to put on birthday parties or join the circus?
If the committee doesn’t add to your performance or open networking doors, then why are you doing it? There are some exceptions as some people are asked to serve on committees as a way to develop leadership skills.
Most of the time, you’re sitting around a table with a bunch of people talking about sandwiches and cookies. Will a superior knowledge of either allow you to get a promotion or a raise?
Time spent outside your regular duties is time that’s not going toward your goals. No matter how fun it may be, don’t be the first to volunteer for everything.
Would it make sense to bring Ken Okel to your next meeting?
Read any good books lately?
