I Operate As My Own Business
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there are two prominent employee mindsets:
1. The 9-to-5′er. These are the employees who depend on their boss’s direction and inhabits uncomplimentary loyalty to their employer. The 9-to-5er’s mindset is the most prominent amongst employees. They aren’t interested in anything but getting the work day over with, while doing as little as possible. If an opportunity presents itself they may or may not act on that opportunity because they are happy just to have a job. I’m not calling 9-to-5′ers lazy, but they are not go-getters.
2. The Hustler. The employee who views them self as an individual business unit; their own corporation who’s business falls within the contractorship of a larger corporation. This employee is self motivated, independent and operates under a long term goal – creating their own career destiny. These individuals are not influenced by the corporate culture, per say, rather their own agenda. The hustler doesn’t view their direct manager as a boss, rather a manager. The difference being a boss is a domineering authority figure, and a manager being a person who administers to and supports employees.
Before I carry on, I want to make it clear that there is no right or wrong type of employee mindset, in general. The thing to keep in mind is that there is a right and wrong employee mindset dependent of your goals. Everyone has a different drive and different goals – so everyone’s outcomes are inevitably going to be different.
If you aspire to grow your stock as quickly as possible and you have a 9-to5′ers mindset, you should be aware that you are not setting yourself up for a successful outcome. In my personal experience and study, it’s the go-getters (hustlers) that create an environment in which they flourish and advance with speed.
Personally I model myself as an individual business unit. As an employee, I act as an entrepreneur.
Let’s take a quick look at a business owner, or an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur, in short, is a person who organizes and owns a business and assumes the risk of potential failure. Entrepreneurs have been known for making opportunities out of problems and being self motivated. Contrary to popular belief, they are not [all] high-risk takers; they set manageable and achievable goals and take calculated risks. One aspect that detracts most people from entrepreneurial-ship is the potential high risk of failure. Aspects of attraction are the rewards; financial, freedom, and creative control.
Here’s the catch…regardless if you are an entrepreneur or not, you have the ability to operate as one, to a degree, even as an employee of a corporation. You reap [some of] the rewards while operating under much lower risk. This philosophy encompasses taking total ownership of your role and responsibilities, building relationships to support your business, branding yourself to promote your business, etc.
Here are a few examples of how I take total ownership of my role:
Own Issues Until They’re Resolved
When I’m alerted of an issue, I own the issue until it’s resolved. Let’s face it, we all want to pass on issues to the next person so that we can get it off our plate. This increases especially when it’s not our responsibility. This is typical. What is not typical is a person taking ownership until resolution. In reality, I do delegate issue resolution when applicable, but I own the close of the resolution once corrections have been exhausted.
Create Processes
I create my own processes for executing tasks; creating efficiencies that allow me to increase my production. I know what you’re thinking, why create more work for yourself? Well, being more efficient across the board really allows you to create your own at-work flexibility. It’s important to note that creating my own processes doesn’t mean rushing through task execution. In fact your work should be flawless. Creating my own processes allows me to express creativity and increase my value. The more value, the harder it is to replace you (J.O.B. Security!).
Be Selective
There’s a thin line between showing value by being selective and doing it all. I seldom volunteer for side projects because they are time consuming and come with little to no recognition or gratitude. Instead, I craftily select side projects based on their overall importance and how it aligns within my skill set and interest. This is important because I can work within my comfort and/or interest which is more favorable to me, and typically leads to better output.
I could list examples for pages. The point is, I incorporate a strategic approach to my daily work life, as an entrepreneur has to – to be successful. Those that practice under this philosophy find that organizational leaders will complement you to your direct manager; co-workers will speak highly of you to other co-works, raising your stock value.
Just as businesses have target markets, I have a target market. I’m my own business, even as an employee. My loyalty, inevitably, is to me. I don’t have to operate outside of my moral values or general business ethics; I take a different approach to benefit all parties…BUT-with my focus on me.
I’m a hustler with a 9-5…not a 9-to-5′er!
If you liked this article, I bet you’ll love The 6 Core Values of a Hustler.
Don’t forget to check out this article that I referenced:
The 6 Core Values of a Hustle
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