Starting out in a large company, you might have the feeling at first like a small fish in a large pond. You are one of many and just lucky to have such an opportunity. In many ways this is true but we must be careful that we never sell ourselves short. Yes, this is a great opportunity, but at some point, hopefully we will see what it is that is truly unique about us. What is it that we bring to the table? What is that certain something that makes each one of us different and therefore we bring something to this company that no one else can. Maybe the best way to say it is this, nobody is irreplaceable, yet everyone is in a sense. Nobody knows what you know and nobody has your perspective and experience.
Do we need and value this opportunity? Absolutely. But at the same time, we must grab hold of the notion that we will bring great value to our host company so that we are needed and valued reciprocally. It is easy to get the idea that because a company is well established that they are replete with great ideas and we just need to go in and keep our heads down and stay out of trouble. But maybe we should take a slightly different approach. Maybe we listen and learn but at the same time we look for opportunities to share who we really are and what we know that will make a positive impact and make our companies better. We have to remember that great people with great ideas are what makes great companies. Maybe this is the way to say it, ask not what your company can do for you but what you can do for your company. I leave you with this final thought, what if one of us has the next great idea that is just waiting to be heard?
That was fun to read!