Today the Stevens Company, my employer, launched a nationwide internal campaign that encourages employees to do a few key things in order to strengthen and reinforce our position in the industry. I really enjoyed the way it was presented, focusing on differentiation, going above and beyond and defying convention- just to name a few. The campaign has really got me thinking about going above and beyond. Many people show up to work, do what they are told and then go home. Most of these people are also unhappy. Happiness in the workplace stems, in my humble yet still innately correct opinion, from pride in what you do. If you can take pride in the work you do in a day you will always go home satisfied. I am learning this at a rapid rate as new projects, tasks and lists get thrown across my desk daily.
For me that sense of pride comes from going above and beyond, or defying convention, a term pulled straight out of the aforementioned campaign. Being better than what people expected of you is incredibly satisfying, knowing that you exceeded their expectations in one way or another almost feels as though you proved someone wrong - in the most positive of ways.
Whether is is completing something faster than anticipated or taking it a step further than was asked - that extra bit of effort you put in usually merits intangible yet valuable rewards. Now people know what you can do and probably respect you that much more because of it. Yes, they may expect more next time, but that just gives you an opportunity to be better yet again. After all progress is a fact of life!
All that said I wonder if I exceed expectations, or if I simply meet them? Knowing that my harshest critic is myself, I know I should be more focused on going above and beyond in all facets of my life. Of course at work, because as a young professional I have a great deal to prove and a long way to climb up that corporate ladder, but also in my personal life. Perhaps I should strive to be a better friend, daughter, granddaughter and sister. Certainly we have to try to exceed the expectations of those closest to us, as their opinions and judgements are often the most important in life. If you can't go above and beyond for your family & friends, how can you do it for your customers?
So here is my pledge to be better, all around, in every way I can think of. Feel free to hold me to it... In great shoes.
Today a pair of magenta pink kitten heels that warranted a great deal of head-turning at the office here in Calgary today!
