Participation Costs and What You Pay
Have you analyzed participation costs? What does it cost you to participate and what if you don’t?
There are many things in life where the price listed on the tag feels like it makes it all very clear, but does it?
If you have a headache and you buy an over-the-counter pain relief medicine from the local pharmacy it has a price tag. Yet, that is not the true cost.
What about the cost of not buying it? Do you simply save the money or is there something else?
Of course, there is more. There is the pain that holds you back, keeps you down, lessens your patience and weakens your energy. What is the price of that?
On the job, you may have an option to voice an opinion in the meeting. You may get a voice about the potential new hire or whether you’ll participate in the pizza party. There is a cost if you do and a cost if you don’t.
What are the real costs of participation?
Participation Costs
Sometimes it feels hard to participate, even when there is not a monetary price to pay.
When you voice your opinion on the future direction, it costs. You are on the hook with your reputation and must face the onlooker’s opinions of your competence.
Sometimes it may feel easier to say nothing, to not get involved, or to relinquish the offer to participate.
It happens in your workplace every day. It happens when there is a political election.
Sometimes the price you pay for lack of involvement is greater than the price you pay for the hook you decide to hang your hat on.
Participation itself is often free, but not participating may present the biggest price tag of all.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
