ALL PEOPLE ARE BANK NOTES

While in one of the weekly panel meetings I attend, one of the members all of a sudden spoke out all of us are bank notes and each one has a value! Then he proceeded to explain: "Let’s consider the Uganda currency…the 50k note has the highest value; and that with the lowest value is that of 1k. But we also have coins where the value descends from 1k to 50. " He then tasked us to always strive to be a bigger note.

The analogy calls a big discussion that I may not be in position to present today, but I will only share what I feel is closely related to institutional development. To begin with, the analogy teaches us that not all employs are of the same value…some are 50k notes and are always by the at the heart of the company. Even if they woke up one day and announced their resignation, their boss would plead with them, and of course you can guess what would follow.

On contrary, some employees can be 1k notes, and some can be coins of 50 that even if another employer would find them damped in the labour market, they would hardly get picked! Shhhh…the colleague also talked of many 50k counterfeit notes we work with….Yes, when they are placed before the blue light, you realize they lack the silver lining! The silver lining is INTEGRITY. Which note are you? If you are genuine 50k, 20k or 10k note, good job. But if your value is lower than that, you are in a great danger. And the big counterfeit notes, you know what can happen if you fall in the hands of people that take professionalism seriously.

So, what next? Do we maintain the status quo? I don’t think we should. We must do something to add us more value. If you are a big genuine note, aim at becoming a bigger one or an international currency note so that you can feature on the forex market; if you are a small note, it’s never too late; you can step up your value.

Jay Forte suggests the following ways on how employees can add value every day:

• Know your organization: it’s important for any employee to be familiar with their organisation’s purpose, mission and value statements. Placing these three items at the centre of your engagements makes you an asset to the company, and of course, a big note.
• Know your strengths: Every one of us is good at something. Those that concentrate on their strengths find it easier for them to plant themselves firmly in the companies they serve because their employers will always look up to them. My mentor simply calls it FOCUS. Sometimes, such (focused) people don’t apply for jobs- their names are just forwarded for appointment. If you are one of such people, you are luck, keep moving.
• Take initiative: Every employer values innovative staff…those that are always willing show up, step up and stand out. This keeps you focused and a highly valued asset that your employee will always guard jealously, just as how we treat a 50k note.
• Focus on the bottom line: Are you that employee that’s always looking for fault in administration? Redirect your behaviour today…your value is depreciating! Jay advises us to know the impact of our ideas and propose things that make a difference where we serve. He also encourages us to think things through and know the numbers. Precisely, we ought to propose ideas that make sense.

I like the statement There is a fresh start for everyone. I am confident, I have spoken to someone in this article. If you’re determined to be a big note, you can. It’s possible for anyone to redefine their value so they can achieve their goals. The simplest way of making it possible is finding time to refocus and approach each day with more thinking and more energy.