Rung seven = Numerous positions including human resources are considered as cost centers within an organization. Think clearly about making your role a revenue generator. Your value to the C-suite will go up exponentially if you understand the significance you bring to the table.
Executives do not want to know what you do, or how this fit into the organization, they want to know, why we are doing what we are doing. The term “provide solutions” is overused and underrated to the CEO. When the executive has a problem, they need a problem solver. What are the problems a CEO faces? Profit the number one concern for most executives. Some departments and especially HR do not think in terms of profit, but gaining the seat at the table demands; show me the value to the organization of your department or position? Executives know that a dollar spent in one area is a dollar that cannot be spent in another area. So they want to know, “do we spend X dollars on this or that? To determine the value, look at the overall picture of what is of greatest worth and what are the competing priorities. How can you find these entities out so that you bring the value to the table for the executive? Look at the business goals, the company’s resources available, the executives requests and listen before your prescribe a solution to their problem. Creating a culture of learning is a good investment and it will take the healthy organization to a highly competitive player in the marketplace. I have written an article on this topic that would be helpful as you think of bringing value to your company. (Please email me if you would like to receive this article.)
You must be accountable for expectations laid out before you in your position. Write the expectations down clearly and make sure that you understand. Dale Carnegie once said 90% of solving a problem is defining it first. Take responsibility for the results and document the results. Executives love results!
Executives know that they need a team of people with the right values and behaviors tied to ethics. That means that you deliver what you say you will deliver on time and accurately. Executives will not tolerate canned rhetoric or smoking mirrors for results.
Sustainability and credibility in the workplace at every level is measured in contribution. You must be an emerging resource to consistently think about what you are doing to advance the company. Write down an answer the question every day in your area of responsibility “what did I do today to advance the company and its goals” Ask yourself that question at the beginning of the day and the end of each day. Keep a journal of your answers. Share it with someone, possibly an executive or supervisor to make sure you are not just blustering smoke or making up things that are just an expected part of your position. Ask for honest feedback. These questions will challenge your honesty and develop trust within you organization. Your ideas and results will gain you the credibility that you are seeking. You will begin to make a definite difference every day. Accumulation of ideas amount to sizable contributions over time. You will become a trusted advisor when you demonstrate capability to problem solve. You will move past the pack and become part of the executive’s circle of advisors.
Documenting your accomplishments on a weekly basis will not only challenge you to excellence, it will prepare you for the meeting with the C-Suite at the table. You have earned the seat when you bring the value to the table. It is work, but the outcome will set you apart and give you a sustainable career no matter where you work and you will have earned the title of “revenue generator”.
TRAVIS JONES CEO
Travis has been an entrepreneur and business owner in Tulsa for over 30 years. He is a well-known community servant and is dedicated to providing world-class service for everyone we encounter.Travis is a certified Life Options Retirement Coach and is certified to facilitate and deliver the Manager As Coach Learning Series (MACLS) through CPI. He serves on the board of Career Partners International (CPI) and is an equity partner in CPI, offering a global reach with over 220 offices. Travis serves on the Elder Board at Tulsa Bible Church, on the board of New Life Ranch and is a proud member of Tulsa Executives Association (TEA) and is active with several other organizations serving the community and beyond.
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