Solve big ticket problems
Last month, Didier Drogba played his last game for Chelsea as he was bidding farewell – for the second time – to the fans for the club of his heart. Among the outstanding banners with the fans, one of them read: “Players come and go, but legends stay – Drogba you are a legend.” True, Drogba is a big legend at Chelsea and his name will never be forgotten. All Chelsea fans and everyone connected with Chelsea including our main competitors like Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City know this name very well and they will never forget his name.
Why is Drogba a legend? The one major factor that made Drogba a legend is that he was a Big Match Player, a striker you could count on in big games. Whenever Chelsea was playing against big teams such as Barcelona, or Arsenal, and so on, Drogba was at his best and he would make sure he scored. Whenever his team was losing, his coach/manager Jose Mourinho would introduce Drogba and Drogba knew what to do – turn around the game in Chelsea’s favour. Whenever Chelsea was playing important games like cup finals, Drogba scored good goals. He was a man that solved big Chelsea problems and that made him a darling of all at Chelsea from club owner, coach, fellow players and the fans. And that is how Drogba became a legend.
If you want to stand out at your work or in your business, you need to also solve big ticket problems. Everyone can do the everyday typical activities but only few can rise to the challenge when big issues come up. If you want that big promotion, start solving big ticket problems. Do not just count the dozens or hundreds of small things that you do every day. Count also how many big issues you tackle to conclusion. Be motivated to do big, not small, things. Be the man or woman known for solving complex problems in your department, in your section, at your branch, in your company. This way, even your CEO will not ignore but notice you. Even those that do not like you will agree that you are the best employee!
When you solve big ticket problems, your works will speak for you. You will not need to say much to promote your name and to gain a job promotion. The works of your hands will speak for you. Just keep solving complex problems time and time again. Do not focus much on the rewards. Just focus on solving big ticket issues. The good thing is that with time, you will master the art of solving big issues. In the beginning, you may struggle, it may take you long time to solve big issues but with time, you will become really good at this game. When you become good, it will be so easy for you, almost second nature to solve big issues. Later on, you will become the person that by default is assigned big issues. That way, your boss and your company will rely on you so much. Imagine the whole department, your boss and the entire company or organisation relying on you? Surely, your career cannot go wrong when everyone depends and relies on you. Become the one person that the company values most.
When you do become that person that the company values most, rewards will follow you with time. Do not be in a hurry. Wait patiently as you build your personal brand as a big ticket problem solver. Remember you do not need to advertise too much the big tickets – for they speak volumes on their own for your sake.
As you aim to build and accelerate your career, build your profile around becoming the most valuable employee like Drogba was the most valuable player for Chelsea a few years ago – through solving big ticket problems. When you build that profile, you will become a legend at your company and rewards will come your way in a big way. Good luck as you rise and shine as a big ticket problem solver!
