Since day one, the Yakezie Network has upheld the motto of helping others first. With this motto, we built a positive culture of always looking out for one another. If someone loses a job, we rally around that Member to provide freelance work or drive opportunities their way. If a Member needs some help with a new product s/he has created, certainly we’ll help spread the word! Whenever we have trouble with our sites, all one has to do is search the forums for answers and undoubtedly someone will pitch in to help.

We can’t be perfect. Sometimes, we’re just too tired to help. Other times we forget to show gratitude. We can’t be expected to help everyone all the time. However, what is expected is having the mindset of making someone else better without expectations. With this mindset, sooner or later an act of reciprocation will come.

DON’T TRY AND MAKE YOURSELF LOOK GOOD

There’s a certain amount of self-promotion that necessitates the survival of our well-being, be it off-line or on-line. Unfortunately, the magnitude of self-promotion on-line can reach preposterous levels because it’s so easy to do. It’s as if narcissism is tantamount for success!

Do an assessment around your workplace, or in your community.  Hone in on that easy going someone who always tries to make her boss look great. She never takes credit and always speaks highly of her colleagues and superiors in a non-sycophant way.

As a result, everybody loves her and she’s always getting promoted. Now draw your attention to another fella who never pitches in, never makes his colleagues look good, and always highlights his own achievements in blatant ways such as through blast e-mails.

Guess what? Not many people like him, and when it comes to downsizing, he’ll likely be on the top of the list to go. People don’t fire friends who have always supported them. People fire those who always looked out for themselves.

WHY AREN’T MORE PEOPLE MORE SELFLESS?

After observing organizational behavior at my old firm for the past decade, I’ve come to the conclusion the reason why more people aren’t more helpful is because they are insecure with themselves and with their own abilities. You see the insecurity most vividly in a new manager who feels compelled to micromanage since they are so scared you’ll screw something up and make them look bad.

In life, you know that guy who buys a flashy car because he’s making up for something. Or what about the gal who wears incredibly revealing clothing because she’s afraid guys won’t like her once a conversation begins.

When you’re insecure, there’s no way to start putting others first. You feel you’re already behind and to help someone else look good feels like career suicide. What a sad way to go about life.

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR

Put someone else first before self. Sometimes, your patience will be tested. Other times, they might take your ideas and never say thank you. That’s just the way it is. Breathe and be happy for them. Eventually, good things will come your way.

Regards,

Sam