4 Quick Ways to Make a Difference at Work!

When you applied for a role at your company, chances are the position description may have described the positive influence you’d make. After being in the seat for a long time it can be hard to see the fruits of your labor if you’re working in a corporate services role, like an administration or finance job, rather than more directly with the people your organization supports.

On the other hand, if you’re working in a direct service role, it can just as easily feel like the problems are huge and outside of your comfort zone, and that nothing will ever really change. It can be deflating to feel like you’re not affecting the change you thought you would be. So, to feel like you’re really working for a better world, here are four ways to maintain your motivation and realize the the important role you’re playing:

1. Don’t get disheartened by the big picture

 Don’t get it wrong; the big picture’s important – and often inspiring. Without big-picture thinking, nothing new or ambitious would be created. But always thinking about the grand challenge your organization faces can be a recipe for personal dissatisfaction. Acknowledging – and taking delight in – small accomplishments can be a better way of maintaining long-term satisfaction in a role, rather than constantly worrying about whether ‘minor’ projects are just tiny drops in a massive ocean. Big-picture thinking probably helped you get the job in the first place – remembering to celebrate the little wins could be the mindset change that helps you stay happy in it.

2. Get out and about

Here’s a common story: you got involved with a great community organization because you knew they had a great reputation. But now, 12 months into your role, you’ve been so swept up in things like reporting, funding issues, and organizational requirements that you feel like you’ve hardly had any time to actually see or hear about the impact your work or your organization has been having.

So what can you do?

One option is to get out of the office and do some research for yourself – release your inner journalist and speak with frontline staff at your organization, or if it's appropriate, the people your organization aims to assist or benefit, your clients!! Their stories should help you realize the ways your work affects people in positive ways, it might be the most inspiring few hours of ‘professional development’ you ever participate in.

3. Think outside your own role

 To rejuvenate and add variety to your everyday workload, don’t be afraid to seek out tasks beyond the bounds of your job description. Getting involved in projects at the organization you work with, but which don’t necessarily involve your team or department, is an excellent way to change your perspective on things. For example, you could volunteer at a fundraising event to see how your organization interacts with supporters – and generally, there are many ways to assist, from event logistics to promotion, to volunteer coordination. For example, I'm part of the PTA at my school and it's been a great experience. Not only do I help my own children but try and bring up my company in every situation possible. It’s an opportunity to be exposed to new people, new ideas, and new ways of thinking about the issues you try to solve each day.

4. Link up with others in your sector

 As mentioned above, a fresh perspective can be the ‘circuit-breaker’ you need to keep up your motivation – and this can just as easily come from outside your organization as from within it. Conferences, networking events, Meetup groups, webinars, podcasts, and even just joining an email list. Within the issue you’re working on, there’s likely to be an abundance of people and organizations to connect with who will have unique approaches, perspectives, and ideas to contribute. If nothing else, it can be inspiring to be reminded that you are part of something much bigger and to see how the sector as a whole is able to chip away at the bigger picture.

Even if you don’t feel like meeting people in person, social media can also be a great way to learn and share your experiences and opinions. Of course, everyone’s work situation is unique and some of these tips may not be applicable or practical for you. However, the overarching message is this: if you find yourself lacking in motivation, make a change. However small it might be, you never know what kind of difference it might make.