We lack a clear way to describe the kinds of contributions we are making, and that we can make more of. Instead of the sterile language of resumes, we need a language for contributions that captures the humanity of what we do—that expresses how we draw on our human talents to make contributions to people, not just to companies.
To create a more meaningful understanding of the types of contributions we can focus on in our work, our team examined all of the information we could find over the last few years to develop a comprehensive index. We reviewed thousands of job descriptions and functional work responsibilities. Next, we created an extended list of the things people actually do each day that positively impact lives. Based on what we learned from this research, we developed the following set of 12 core contributions to describe the roles people need and value among their families, teams, and communities.
Achieving
How can we get more done?
People need great role models to learn by example. If you prefer to influence through your actions more than your words, try to perform a few things to a level of excellence so others can learn from you and follow.
Adapting
How can we adapt quickly to changes?
Life is created in the moment, and these small, often unscripted, interactions have an outsized influence on our days and lives. Use your spontaneity to liven moods during ordinary days and help others adapt to the unexpected.
Challenging
Are we doing the right things?
Your inquisitive nature helps teams challenge the status quo. If you keep asking great questions, it will help others improve, innovate, and create a better future.
Connecting
How do we connect people to our mission?
You are in a unique position to create and add energy throughout teams and organizations. In addition to creating new connections, be the one who advocates for others and champions causes you believe in most deeply.
Energizing
How do we get and stay charged?
Because wellbeing is created in days and moments, you are in a remarkable position to improve the engagement and effectiveness of teams. Be the one who energizes people’s workdays and makes work fun in the process.
Influencing
How can we grow our client base?
Bringing people into new partnerships and relationships is how important people, ideas, products, and missions reach wider audiences. Be on a constant lookout for great ideas that need to be shared to improve lives.
Initiating
How do we get started?
Be the one who gets things started, from projects to conversations and relationships. Your efforts will help people act fast and move forward with confidence.
Organizing
How do we make things run smoothly?
The most organized people keep teams moving efficiently in the right direction. You can be the fabric holding a network together and ensuring that work gets done at the right levels of quality.
Perceiving
What does each person need?
You have a unique gauge of the emotional temperature in a room or conversation. This ability to sense people’s underlying feelings can shape conversations, inform others, and keep groups moving forward in concert.
Scaling
How can we reach more people?
Anything you can do that saves others time and effort will have deep value. This is where your ability to help scale teams and products can have a profound influence.
Teaching
What do people need to know?
Learning and teaching are the two central elements of growth. As you study new topics and develop the people you care for and serve, it will have a multiplying effect for years to come.
Visioning
What should we do next?
Almost every product, project, and organization starts with a vision that could lead to a better future. Be the one to keep people focused on how their efforts impact a wider audience, which is the ultimate catalyst for growth and wellbeing.