Know your worth

 Know Your Worth

There are a few things I’ve learned about being happy and successful at the workplace - Not from a book, a workshop or a course, but from real life , having worked for over four decades in this world!

First and foremost - learn to stand up for yourself. That doesn’t mean being aggressive, defiant or difficult. It means being clear about your contribution and your intentions - not allowing yourself to be bullied into silence and knowing when to speak up. You can be kind, empathetic, respectful and firm at the same time.

Don’t ever make the mistake of confusing decency with weakness.

If you’ve worked hard, smart and consistently delivered results, don’t shy away from asking for what’s fair. This world will not give you anything on a platter. You need to speak up and be ready to back yourself with reason and evidence. It’s not arrogance, as some may want to term it - It’s self-respect. You may not always succeed, but there is nothing to lose by asking - and being humble & polite when doing so! 

And here’s a truth I’ve come to value: while intensity—working in bursts, flamboyant gestures—gets attention, it’s consistency that builds real trust. It’s the quiet, steady workers who show up every day, solve problems, support teams, and deliver without fuss—those are the people others rely on – they are often the magnets that hold teams together.

It’s crucial to also understand this: Organizations are always bigger than the individual, and no one is truly indispensable. Never doubt that.  However, the best companies know who adds real value. They recognize that good people bring clarity in vision, consistency in action, and compassion in relationships.

Such people create space for others to grow while holding themselves accountable.

Above all, they lead by example—even when no one is watching. And sometimes, it’s not about how impressive you are - It’s about how well you ensure that the work get done – its tangible results that matter in the end. That may feel like a trifle impersonal, but it’s not a bad thing - it’s part of being professional.

As you move up the ladder, something shifts. It’s not so much about doing everything yourself, but more about how you make it easier for others to do their jobs well. That’s the difference between management and leadership.

Managers keep things moving. Leaders build people.

Authentic leaders have strong values, clear vision, emotional intelligence and they listen. They respect everyone—regardless of title. They don’t hog credit, and they don’t throw others under the bus when things go wrong. They lift others up, and in doing so, rise themselves. After all- it’s a good team that brings credit to the leader.

Of course, let’s be real – it’s not always fair. Life is not always fair either, and there is very little you can do about it. What you can control, however,  is how you respond, and that’s where your real power lies.

Sometimes things get political. There are alliances, favours traded, backs scratched. It’s not always ideal - as much as we would wish it to be, but even in that kind of world, you don’t have to lose your value. Don’t play dirty just to survive. If people forget everything else, they certainly remember character, because it’s the quiet legacy that outlasts people, projects, positions, and praise.

So yes—be kind, but don’t be a pushover.

Be clear and decisive, but never cruel.

Be helpful but never let yourself be taken for granted.

Know your worth—and help others find theirs too.

That’s the real win.