GIVE and GAIN

Much of our life experience conditions us to expect to gain something in return for what we give. We give – we get. What is sown in a work environment is reaped over long periods of time, in subtle ways. Give, be patient, and have faith that you will gain in the long run.

GIVE A FULL DAY’S WORK FOR A DAY’S PAY

Project management professionals assume 6 to 6.5 productive hours a day when scheduling manpower and estimating the duration of tasks. Start with an 8 hour workday, then factor in reasonable meal and bio breaks, and that number sounds about right. Add personal phone calls and email, surfing the internet, and your social networking updates; and your actual work time erodes alarmingly. Get back to work. Gain a reputation for being productive.

GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

When feeling under the gun, it often seems easier to do things yourself. Instead, work with your inexperienced team members. Give them responsibility and guidance. Implement accountability. Gain an experienced, valuable employee.

GIVE A HAND TO A CO-WORKER

A corporate environment is a team environment. You can be successful on your own only to a point. Reach out to others when they need support. Gain the prospect of help repaid in kind.

GIVE YOUR BOSS YOUR TRUE OPINIONS
Strong teams are made up of people with diverse experience and viewpoints. Don’t be a “yes man”. When you feel strongly about something, fight to have your opinions heard. Gain respect for having your own mind.

GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK TO YOUR EMPLOYEES
Provide praise when earned, and coaching when warranted. Be honest, specific, straightforward, and consistent with your feedback. Gain productive behavior from your team.

GIVE OTHERS IDEAS CONSIDERATION
I don’t care how smart you are. Often someone else will have a better idea. Stop talking and start listening and sharing. Pay attention and be open-minded. Gain value from a team effort.

GIVE “CRAZY” IDEAS A CHANCE
Brainstorm liberally. Your next stellar success could start as a “crazy” idea. Be sure your team feels safe to throw thoughts out into the wind. Gain excitement and creativity.

GIVE EMPATHY TO EMPLOYEES IN PERSONAL DISTRESS
When personal issues encroach into someone’s work life, be sure you understand what is going on. Be considerate, generous, and fair to allow a valued employee to overcome a temporary challenge. Gain trust and loyalty.

GIVE THE BENEFIT OF YOUR WISDOM TO A PROTÉGÉ
You won’t be around forever. Share the lessons you’ve learned and counsel someone eager to learn from your experience. Someone surely helped you early in your career. Now you are in a position to help. Gain the satisfaction of paying it forward.