Very often we resist requests from our managers to take on additional tasks or to help out in areas not directly related to us. Two reactions are common:
What is in it for me?
And why me?
Have you thought for a moment how damaging this can be to your career?
My experience has shown that our capacities and willingness to stretch ourselves are constantly being tested by our superiors. Willing workers are in short supply and those that go about their assignment cheerfully are an extra special commodity. Remember the adage: hire for attitude, train for skill?
In order to reach the top of our professions we need to exhibit the capacity to adapt, change and grow. This comes from taking on additional assignment and demonstrating our colleagues the depth and breadth of our talents. The visibility we gain is also a spur to our careers. In many of these instances, we have the opportunity to interact with a completely different group of managers and learn a new set of skills that will only help us in the long run.
The other way we damage ourselves is by expecting rewards or promotions for every little additional task we are asked to perform. Rewards and promotions will follow as surely as night follows day. The smart ones amongst us will actively seek out new opportunities to display our talents, proving to ourselves as much as others, that we are ready, willing and able.
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