Do the whole job

It is a common tendency to only choose parts of the job while not doing other parts of one’s job. Some people only do what they like and ignore the parts of their job scope that they do not like.

Others leave out some parts of their job description because of the level of difficulty in doing those parts of their job. Other times, it is simply a matter of preference—keeping to the comfort zone and not willing to learn new things. Whatever the reason, if you do not do the whole complete job, with time, it will show in your performance. You will not have an overall great performance if you only choose parts of your job while completely ignoring other parts.

A great performer will not only do things that he or she likes. A great performer does everything that he or she is supposed to do. A great performer will be fully aware of his or her job description and will focus all energies at ensuring that the whole job is done end to end. This includes the palatable parts as well as the sour parts.

They are not simply motivated by doing what is enjoyable. Their core motivation is to be successful. To be a great performer. They rejoice in the end more because after completing the whole job, they are very happy because they feel the success. They enjoy success and that is why they are great genuine performers.

Even difficulty does not dissuade them from performing tasks that others would run away from. It does not matter whether a task is easy or difficult – they do not choose. Rather they do them all. That is what sets them apart as great performers, successful professionals.

If they have to travel long distance, in the rain or at night and even weekends, they will do so if that is the only path to success. They are motivated by achievement and success. They will do everything possible to do all their job. Not just choosing the easy pieces.

We all have our biases. I remember when I first rose to a managerial job. I had a tendency of focussing on the section that was directly related with my background. The fact is that when you rise as a manager or leader, you now start covering wide scope of work. You may now be leading a number of sections, some of which you have limited experience or knowledge in.

The natural tendency will, in this case, be to gravitate towards those sections that you know well and have much experience in. It took me a bit of time to realise the bias. From the time I realised the bias, I started countering the bias by actively remembering to push harder on the other sections. It takes a lot of effort and discipline to counter this inert bias. It takes a lot more effort and discipline to realise and accept the bias – and this is the necessary foundation for embarking on a path towards correction of the wrong.

In fact, there is greater goodness in covering even sections or parts of the job that you are not too familiar with. You get the chance of a rare opportunity to learn new ideas, new skills and new competences. Plus you get the chance to meet new people. Indeed, there is far more to gain in doing the whole job than keeping to your comfort zone and avoiding what you do not like or what you perceive to be difficult or unknown to you.

This is what great performers already do and you will not beat them unless you too do the whole job to the best of your ability. If you are to rise and shine, you too need to do it like the great performers, the great achievers. Do the whole job and to the end and that way you will rise and shine! Good luck!