Whether you are a student, an employee, or simply an ordinary person, you belong to a community. Of course, problems are expected to arise at times. As part of that organization or society, you have the responsibility to help find the solution.
However, there are times that instead of contributing to the solution, we add to the problem. This happens when we do not cooperate, or we do not do our part. The situation also worsens when members choose to grumble against those in authority instead of offering help.
If you want to be a better citizen, employee, or organization member, here are some ways that can help you contribute to the solution.
1. Actively participate in finding solutions.
Get rid of that indifferent attitude towards leadership. It is a wrong notion that leaders have been put in positions to take care of the group’s issues. Their role is simply to lead or govern for an orderly system. However, they cannot do everything without the subordinates’ help.
Just because you are an ordinary member does not mean you have no power and responsibility to help find the solution. Instead of being passive, volunteer, or let those in the authority know that you are willing to help.
2. Own the organization or project.
You would only care enough about the society or group you are in if you take ownership of it. If you are convinced that you are really part of it, then you will be more willing to help. You would understand that the problem being faced by the organization will affect you too.
Therefore, if you are part of a community, company, or organization, make sure to embrace it. Remember that it is part of your identity. For this reason, you should help take care of it.
One way to help is by encouraging yourself and other members to support your group. You can all at least try to brainstorm and contribute any idea that can possibly help in solving the issue. As they say, “two heads are better than one.”
Some people are afraid to voice out their suggestions because they are either shy or afraid to commit a mistake. In order to encourage, appreciate them every time they make an effort to speak up. Never tell them that they are wrong, or their ideas are nonsense, especially in front of others.
4. Avoid gossiping and grumbling.
Sometimes, those who lead may come up with decisions that you think are ineffective. It is not unusual that those who disagree would flock together to air out their disappointments. Worse is when they attack those in-charge or leaders at a personal level.
Gossiping is one of the cancers in society. Sad to say, this does not help solve any problem. It only causes division, mistrust, and disrespect among people. If you want to be part of the solution, then avoiding gossips is one of the first steps.
5. “Obey first before you complain.”
This is a famous quotation that is popular among military personnel. Before grumbling that what they are told to do is impossible to achieve or futile, they have to try doing it first.
Hopefully, this will be the discipline in all kinds of societies. If people would follow and obey the orders first before raising doubts and questions, then it would be easier to solve any concern.
6. Minimize your need to criticize.
Yes, everyone has the right to express their thoughts. However, sometimes, too many criticisms do not help at all. There are people who were born to see the negative in everything. If you would have to work with this kind of individual, you would surely end up discouraged.
Instead of eyeing all the faults and lapses in your group’s governance, try to have a more balanced judgment. Be fair enough to acknowledge the positive outputs and the progress of the organization. This way, the leaders and active members—who are imperfect, like you—will be motivated to keep working.
7. Watch out for that crab mentality.
One of the toxic mindsets that you should watch out for in a community is the crab mentality. The envy and jealousy for someone who accomplishes many lead others to find ways to pull that person down.
If someone in your group is in the limelight for contributing much to the organization’s welfare, then support that person. Instead of gossiping about him/her, encourage that individual to keep doing what s/he does for the whole team. Who knows? That person may have the solution to your organization’s problem.
8. Be a team player.
You may be skilled, intelligent, and brilliant enough to be considered an ace in your field. These traits are important to make you an efficient and self-reliant worker. However, if you are not comfortable working with other people, then that would be a problem.
Being a team player, or someone who can collaborate with others harmoniously can also make you an asset. Imagine if your organization has a team composed of competitive members, like you. If you all unite and humbly work with each other, then any issue will be solved in a shorter period.
9. Value evaluation and planning.
One of the secrets of a strong organization is having regular evaluation and planning sessions. Evaluations are necessary to follow up on the progress of any existing activities. It also helps the group cite its weaknesses, strengths, and problems. On the other hand, planning is done to reinforce the existing programs, improve the weak areas, and find a solution to problems.
If you want to help, see to it that you make yourself available for the evaluation and planning sessions of your organization. That will help you understand the situation better and even get more ideas for possible solutions.
10. Have an open mind.
As part of a community, you cannot avoid meeting different kinds of people. You cannot expect everyone to think or behave like you. There will always be differences in opinions and points of view.
In case you tried suggesting a possible solution and others did not support it, avoid taking it personally. It would make you bitter towards the leaders and other members of your organization. That would lead to destructive actions like gossiping, complaining, and insubordination.
You Have a Role to Play
You do not have to be part of the leadership to contribute much to the community. Being a good follower who criticizes less and encourages others more can have a huge impact already. Learn to speak up your mind, do your job well, and at the same time respect others, especially those in authority. These can help a lot.
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