Paths least travelled in workplace By Victor S.L. Tan HERE is a man | know who takes Te same path to work every day. He endures the heavy traffic when there is heavy rain, road acci- dents or special events that crowd that road he is traveling, He takes the same road every day to reach his destination even though there are other alternative roads where traffic is less heavy. Here are seven paths least travelled in the workplace. GO THE EXTRA MILE. There is no pride in doing less. One does not shine or create a memorable impression by doing the minimal Going the extra mile is good for one’s credibility. Everybody likes someone who is willing to do beyond the call of one’s duty. By not being calculative and willing to do more, ‘one becomes likeable by others and is welcome anywhere. Working with others become more pleasant. When people like you, they are more willing to co-operate with you and so getting things done become easier. One also has great opportunities to learn new things and skills when ‘one embark on going the extra mile. Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, puts it more succinctly, “The man who does more than he is paid will soon be paid more than he does.” DO SOMETHING BEYOND SELF- INTEREST. The human tendency is to do things that will benefit us. While itis perfectly allright to do things Of selfinterest that are within ethics and professionalism, it does not score points in the eyes of others. But when one does things beyond self-interest, one comes across as a caring and selfless person, Much trust and goodwill is developed when one is found doing things that put the inter- est of others first. As a leader, spending time to coach staff and genuinely helping them to do well in the organisation is a gesture of serving the interest of others before self. As the saying goes, "People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care”. DO THINGS OTHERS ARE NOT WILLING TO DO. Itis easier to agree to do things you love to do. But it takes discipline to do something many are not willing to do, We are not refer- ring to illegal or unethical things here, but those that may come across as a chore to others. Volunteering to take more respon- sibilities or assisting others in their work is an act of discipline. Or it could be as simple as being the last person in the office to switch off the lights and lock up. When one does things others are not willing to do, one has shown the trait of special discipline, attitude and commitment missing from the ordinary working people. ‘As the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "Self-command is the main discipline.” FIND A BETTER WAY TO DO THINGS. The path of least resistance is to do the same things over and over again. One cynical definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again, but expecting different results. Besides being unsound, its less fun to do things the same way. There would be no improvement if one does not experiment with new approaches, Of course, there are some risks involved, but ifit is done with care and close monitoring, the results are often well paid off. In the workplace, there are more self-imposed limits than there are rules. Abetter and more interesting way is to come up with creative ideas and apply them in the daily work for improve- ment. ACHIEVE EXTRAORDINARY RESULTS. Fast food and soft drinks companies spend billions of dollars each year on advertising to achieve “top of mind” of their products in their customers. Coca Cola and Pepsi would want their customers to have their soft drinks in mind first whenever they are in a situation deciding which soft drink to purchase. Likewise, an employee who achieves extraordinary results will have his name in his boss’ mind first before others In any case, there is no satisfac. tion in achieving the ordinary. The true sense of accomplishment comes from achieving something extraordinary. People who produce extraordinary results have great feelings about them- selves and the world. They believe that something that is worth doing is worth done with extraordinary results BE NICE TO PEOPLE WHOM WE HAVE DIFFERENCES WITH. Itis easier to be nice to people whom we agree with, That is the ordinary path. But it requires one to be magnanimous to be able to treat others just as well with people whom we disagree with. One can disagree with the ideas of people, but can still treat them in a polite and respectful manner. There is great benefit in treating people who have differences with us well. It sends a tremendous message to subordinates and peers about your de- gree of professionalism and maturity in dealing with others. Of course, this will win the respect of others and hence make your leadership more effective BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE. Itis good that an achiever accomplishes something great. But it is much better if one can help others achieve great things as wel The credit is much more when ~ a leader inspires and coaches people to become the best that they can be. Most people are not untalented or un- motivated; they are just undiscovered and uninspired. They need leaders who will take the path least travelled and bring out the best in them. The writer is chief executive officer of KL Strategic Change Consulting Group. He can be reached at Tel: 03-90741129/012-3903168 or e-mail: victorsttan@klscc.com or visit www. kisce.com.