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Have you ever noticed that many people simply do what they’re told? They don’t push back, rarely ask questions and – for the most part – simply respond to requests without offering much insight or additional comments.
More than ever, we’re hearing from clients who are sick of that. We’re hearing:
Are you truly going to work with us? If we ask for a hoodie, are you just going to send us a hoodie, or are you going to ask questions? Advise on the latest trends? Align our project with the right product or solution?
We’re counting on you as the expert to do more than simply fill the order.
“Do more than simply fill the order.”
How many of us are doing that in our current roles, regardless of what they are?
Are you simply “filling the order” of being a business partner? An employee? A co-worker?
When someone asks you for something, do you try to get it off your plate as quickly as possible, or do you seek to understand what the purpose of the project is before drawing on your experience and initiative to advise?
Of course not everything has to be overcomplicated. Sometimes a request SHOULD be taken at face value. But often there’s the potential for more. I’m regularly amazed by how many times I’ve seen a conversation change the scope and direction of a project – simply because questions were asked and ideas exchanged that took progress far beyond the initial request.
Unfortunately, that’s the exception and not the rule in many business settings. Fortunately, this provides the perfect opportunity for you to stand out.
In a world full of “order fillers,” try thinking critically and see where it takes you.
For a more in-depth read on the importance of critical thinking, check out this post from Business News Daily:
Is Your Team Missing this Important Business Skill?
