VAI — Value-Added Impact

Danial Naqvi
3 min readSep 10, 2018

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Company culture, appreciation from managers and understanding from colleagues culminate in ultimate productivity. Simple. Value-added impact.

OECD Global Forum on Responsible Business Conduct in Paris, France (June 2018)

‘Success only comes before Work in the dictionary’

I want to take a diverse approach to today’s topic.

I want to introduce a familiar character, who I have spoken about in the blog before, notably when I did the blog on facial features impressions.

James.

I’ve known him from my time at Orpington Golf Centre.

He represents a positive change. Usually ‘Orpington Golf Centre’ and ‘positive’ don’t reside in adjacent paragraphs, but this is a strong exception.

After attending a meeting today, I want to address this issue of employee value.

As the socialist system describes, the capitalist mechanism treats its workers as ‘slaves to the system’, with limited leverage to escape nor influence.

As a young university student, that challenge has already presented itself.

Your influence small and voice limited.

There’s always a better way. There’s always someone more experienced. With title comes responsibility but also closed ears.

I’m sure we’ve all experienced the same at establishments in the past.

This business of ‘value-added’ doesn’t just apply to impact or taxes but also the success of commerce.

Giving value before a transaction is discussed proves credibility, expertise and vision.

You want to give your customers context as the mechanism of word-of-mouth is an outdated construct.

Content marketing business-to-business (B2B) is somewhat a miss for most industries.

Hiring a content manager to ensure the steady flow of content throughout the system will boost sales and prospects of any company.

People want value before they invest. In a world where everyone can get information at their fingertips, your words means squat compared to the droves of material available to decision-makers.

Switching it back to a personal standpoint, managers must assume a hospitality and safeguarding role to be successful.

Employees aren’t robots, they suffer hardships and work hard given positive reinforcement.

James, unfortunately but perhaps fortunately depending on what hat you assume, ran through the dissatisfaction mill for years before taking the leap of faith and quitting a company that had given him nothing but headaches.

James worked alongside me after working a managerial position in his previous job for the same company.

Though he did assume a managerial position once I had left the company, he became increasingly consumed in the politics and fighting for his position.

A man with two kids, who worked incredibly hard for a wage that wouldn’t suffice a singleton in any part of the SE.

I asked James some questions about his experience making the transition.

Me: What’s the key difference between your current job and your former one?

James: Aside from the increase in financial gain, it is definitely in the recognition and rewards they offer for their staff

Me: How has it affected your day-to-day mood?

James: I love going to work now! My home/work life balance is great. I don’t get bothered on my days off and this all contributes to me wanting to do the very best I can.

Me: Could you give one piece of advice for people hesitant to take the leap of faith?

James: To plagiarise Nike, Just Do It! Have that self-belief, you are better than you think you are and deserve the successes that come from hard work.

This commentary from a man who designed a training guide after receiving substandard support when he first arrived from his line manager.

It’s not the man or woman who makes the company. It’s the support system, the grievance mechanisms and the push for better.

If you can get people in the company to buy into your ethos, you won’t be grinding wheels, instead you’ll be speeding away.

The competition is only beaten together.

B2B content is required to make sure that you are not just a ‘fill in the blank’ company; but also a value provider.

I strongly and whole-heartedly believe in this ethos of culture and making employees feel valued.

Capturing minds and sparking imagination takes some work in this world. There are many companies who would grab your talent. Don’t settle for second best.

Value-added impact.

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Danial Naqvi
Danial Naqvi

Written by Danial Naqvi

Joint PhD Candidate Business & Management at Manchester & Melbourne| MSc UCL Science, Technology and Society | BA (Hons) QMUL Human Geography |

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