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Being of Service to Others: Beyond Obligations and Outcomes
Working, regardless of where I work, always felt like a transaction. The politics of the office is quid pro quo. If I scratch your back, you scratch mine. When we do something, we expect something back in return. This return doesn’t necessarily have to be a favor in return. When we work, we also expect to receive recognition and acknowledgment for our work. I’m still working on getting to a place where I need none of these things. I want to be productive based on my genuine care to help another person.
Even with this mindset, it is very difficult to transcend the monotonous expectations of the workplace. We still have performance reviews, deadlines, and an unspoken drive to only succeed. None of these things fulfill me. I don’t want my work to be simple obligations that drive “the business” forward, but keeps me unfulfilled. I don’t want to do work because I have to do it, but because I want to due to the alignment with my values. After some time of being in this rat race where all I cared about recognition and advancing my career, I’m trying to change my mindset into positively impacting the lives of the people around me.
The reality is for us to be truly fulfilled and not just have moments or periods of fleeting happiness, we cannot just be self-serving, we also need to be servant-leading to be truly fulfilled. – Chad E Cooper
In this regard, my role model is Ted Lasso. He’s our modern example of serving others without expectations. The hiring of this once perceived goofy, American head coach changes the entire dynamic of a team due to nothing else but his kindness, empathy, and unwavering support for others. One wouldn’t peg him as a competent coach. He doesn’t know the intricacies of the sport, but that’s not his mission. His mission is to uplift those around him.
If the workplace is a “family” as it tries to portray, this would be the culture. We wouldn’t care about outcomes. We would only care about how we treat each other. Letting go of outcomes has been a pivotal point in my mind shift as you’ve might have read about before. Yet we have an obsessive need to control the outcomes of our project. Everything must succeed. All of our numbers must be bigger. We have to do more. We’ve yet to realize how empty these pursuits are. Our expectations are typically one-sided, thus causing disappointment and stress when these expectations are not met. It’s better to release the pressure of success for greater authenticity and joy.
Questions and Answers
Why does working in an office often feel transactional?
Working in an office can feel transactional because of the inherent nature of workplace dynamics. Most work environments operate on a “quid pro quo” basis, where favors, recognition, and advancement are often tied to performance. This transactional mindset is reinforced through things like deadlines, performance reviews, and hierarchical structures, leading employees to feel that success and acknowledgment are only granted when something is given in return.
How can I shift my mindset away from seeking recognition in the workplace?
Shifting away from a recognition-driven mindset requires a deep, internal change in perspective. It involves focusing on doing work that aligns with your values and brings you fulfillment, rather than seeking external rewards. Role models like Ted Lasso can be inspiring because they demonstrate that genuine care, empathy, and support for others can be more impactful than striving for acknowledgment. To change this mindset, practice serving others without expectations and find joy in the process rather than the outcome.
Why is it difficult to move away from outcome-based work in a corporate setting?
Corporate culture often emphasizes success metrics like performance reviews, project outcomes, and business growth. These metrics create an environment where employees feel pressure to control outcomes to meet expectations. The drive for bigger numbers, increased productivity, and constant success makes it challenging to embrace a mindset focused solely on serving others or finding personal fulfillment in work. Changing this requires letting go of the need to control every outcome and recognizing the emptiness of constant striving without inner satisfaction.
How can I work without being driven by the need for recognition or success?
To work without the need for recognition or success, start by identifying what truly aligns with your personal values and goals. Seek fulfillment in the process of helping others or contributing to causes that matter to you. Shift your focus from controlling outcomes to nurturing relationships and treating colleagues with empathy and kindness. Releasing the pressure of success allows you to find joy and authenticity in your work, leading to a more meaningful experience.
What benefits can come from letting go of outcome-focused work?
Letting go of outcome-focused work can lead to greater authenticity, joy, and reduced stress. It allows you to concentrate on the quality of your interactions and the positive impact you can have on others. By removing the pressure to constantly meet external expectations, you may find more satisfaction in your daily tasks and relationships. This mindset shift can also foster a more supportive and empathetic workplace culture, which ultimately benefits everyone involved.