It probably goes against everything your Kindergarten teacher ever taught you but you need to get more selfish on the job. 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 not a bad idea to look after your own interests. Very often these match up with a company goal. Why aren’t you doing these things right now? Because you’ve become addicted to helping out.
If the idea of being more selfish on the job makes you nervous, then give yourself a pat on the back. 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. Think of it like giving yourself a fair advantage. To Clear the Path to a more successful career arc, consider these tips:
Honor Your Responsibilities First
Do the job that you’re paid to do. This honors your primary responsibilities. If you have extra time, help out other people with their projects.
You may wonder why you shouldn’t drop everything when someone needs help. Only you can answer this question but is helping out something that will increase your pay? And will others help you if the situation is reversed? Those answers should define your “helping” philosophy and not the need to be liked. You shouldn’t have to subsidize other people.
Protect Your Time
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 pretty useful tools.
Prioritize
In many companies, there are opportunities to serve on committees. 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, 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.
But 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.
Bottom Line: It can be tempting to put your professional needs second to others. But being a little more selfish can mean a lot more for your future.
