Professional Value Measured, Yes, But How?
You have the experience, are you right for the job? How is your professional value measured? Recognizing value is often a bit elusive.
People attend school, some go on to certificate programs, degree programs, and even complete advanced degrees. How do you know someone’s value?
Is it measured with a test?
Some people test very well. They study for the test, memorizing key phrases and the written solution. They have developed a keen eye for nonsense in multiple-choice and for spotting the correct answer. True or false is a breeze and short-answer aligns perfectly with their seemingly photographic memory.
They graduate with honors.
In most professional white-collar type employment there aren’t really tests for endurance, cooperation, or enthusiasm. It is similar for trade skill labor or trades professionals.
How do you test for sincerity, integrity, or generosity?
How do you measure professional value?
Professional Value Measured
Most hiring managers might suggest it is a combination of experience and education. Years of service, boxes checked, and cards punched.
The disconnect for the individual and for the hiring organization may be that it doesn’t matter how well you did on the tests in school, it matters how you’ll work with this team. Not any team, but this team.
The professional value you seek to get recognition for is often disconnected from the purpose and mission that the organization is pursuing. It’s measured in proof competence, not proof of execution.
As a result, how well you work with others, your ability to collaborate on assignments, and your leadership potential go unmeasured.
It seems that professional value needs to be demonstrated and discovered, not proven through a resume or transcript.
Tactfully illustrating what you should be measured against might be the best way to start.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. 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.
