The years since the pandemic have disrupted nearly every aspect of our work life, and in many cases, our personal lives, as well.

For one thing, there’s been a shift in workers’ expectations from their jobs.

More than ever, there’s a greater awareness of the need to grow, or pivot where necessary, or reinvent themselves. 

It’s a desire for clarity and a determination to make a positive impact in their work and personal lives — all with an increased sense of urgency.

It’s not just about getting ahead with a promotion or raise or even wanting more job security.  It’s about finding more meaning, having a positive influence and figuring out your best work-life balance.

I do believe that most of us go through our careers in a constant process of re-evaluating what success means, and how we can create a better life for ourselves and maybe even contribute to a better world.    

That in mind, I was intrigued by a 2021 self-help book I came across titled “Flux: 8 Superpowers for Thriving in Constant Change,” by personal advice author April Rinne. 

For starters, the “superpowers” she refers to are:

Run slower
See what’s invisible
Get lost
Start with trust
Know your “enough”
Create your portfolio career
Be all the more human (and serve other humans)
Let go of the future

In varying degrees, I like just about all of them, though I’m not sure what she means by “get lost.”

That aside, she gives three compelling examples of ways to clarify and communicate your value, as well as elevate your leadership presence and make a meaningful difference in your workplace, as follows:

Reconnect with and leverage your core talents and strengths.

Everyone brings a distinct combination of experiences, skills and personal strengths. Some are learned through training and shaping from our early lives, while others come naturally, so we tend to overlook them. 

These are the innate strengths, like a positive attitude and an ability to “play well with others,” that shape how we connect, lead, solve problems and create positive results. 

Use them to advantage.

Communicate your value story with confidence.

Knowing your strengths is one thing, but communicating and demonstrating them is another.  

You need a “value story” that serves as the narrative that connects your experiences, strengths and potential tangible results. These days, visibility and clarity aren’t optional, they’re essential.  

Whether you’re pursuing a promotion, a new role or an expected impact, people need to see the connection between what you offer and the measurable positive outcomes you’ll deliver.

Think of it as the 30-second elevator speech of your career capabilities. When you freely express your insights, you shift from being seen as an employee to being recognized as a thought leader.

Don’t worry. Your story doesn’t need to be perfect. 

It just needs to be grounded in the reality of who you are and what you know, and, most importantly, the positive difference you want to make. 

Take action to demonstrate your value every day.

Of course, the most effective way to showcase your value isn’t merely by telling people how capable you are. It’s by doing what you say you’ll do and doing it well. 

Remember, every meeting, project and interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and your values. And demonstrating your value means engaging in ideas and actions that highlight your strengths.  

At all levels, those managers and employees who bring a calm confidence, along with a high level of competence, help build a culture of trust and loyalty.  

Meanwhile, the world of work continues to evolve at lightning speed, with no signs of slowing down. 

What doesn’t change is that conscientious workers seek work that matters, to grow and make a positive difference. Equally important, they want that outcome not just for themselves, but also for their co-workers and their workplace.

As I’ve said, companies aren’t hiring much, and they aren’t firing many. The overall economy seems stuck in a state of uncertainty and yes, flux.

Looking ahead, make sure you’re ready for anything. 

Blair is co-founder of Manpower Staffing and can be reached at pblair@manpowersd.com.