Having a Secret Mission

I like the idea of having a “secret mission.” I have gone so far as to develop one for myself. I bring this mission with me to work every day. Perhaps by sharing what I do, you might be encouraged to create your version as I found I like having one. Plus, I think it makes me happier at work when I succeed with it.

The Background

As a kid, I found the word “secret” special. The idea of a secret identity, being a secret agent, and McDonald’s secret sauce all sounded more astonishing than they were. The main thing I learned was that secrets could be cool.
As a young adult, I became aware of “random acts of kindness” and “doing good without being found out.” Nice ideas. Positive. Also, secretive. I like that. Secrets can be good.
So then, what about Superman and Batman? The coolest superheroes ever both had secret identities. This whole “secret” business seemed hard-wired, maybe even, archetypal.
So maybe, the right secret mission could be fresh, pleasant, and archetypal. Perhaps I’m on to something in having a secret mission.

Some Modern Context

Simon Sinek talks about how leaders need to tap into their personal “whys” if they genuinely want to energize their teams. Leaders should know what their most profoundly personal mission is, and, bring that knowledge into to work every day. Solid advice.
It is having a precise “why” where many of the typically dull actions, tasks, and other work-related duties can take on new importance. Moreover, a “why” that connects with a more profound personal mission can serve to push you through when the going gets tough, inspiring others on the journey.

My Secret Mission

I try, every day, with all my interactions (work and otherwise), to focus on three very personally motivated behaviors.

• Pay extra attention. Try to notice things others don’t.
• Be encouraging. Let people know they are valued, appreciated, and capable of more than they realize.
• Be natural and occasionally fun to be around.

Actions like these are not company mandates. Some businesses might consider them a tad unproductive. Too bad. I mandate them because I want to. I have seen them make a difference. Remember, this is, my secret mission.

Pay Attention

We all remember, “don’t sweat the small stuff.” However, isn’t it the small stuff that matters most to people? With my secret mission, I try to sweat little details and notice them.
It’s great knowing someone has pets, but, knowing the names of those pets? That makes you a Ninja. Same goes for work. People appreciate it when you not only know what they do but (to Sinek’s point) why do it.
A keen eye, excellent listening skills, and an occasional question seasoned with a dash of Sherlock Holmes will get you to notice all sorts of details that matter to people. You need to start and work at it.

Encourage Folks

Who can’t use a little (or a lot) of encouragement? Moreover, who can’t do more than they think? Answer: nearly all of us.
We’ve all heard the story of someone who felt discouraged and gave up regretting this decision later in life. It’s my secret mission to try to ensure that doesn’t happen. Plus, if I have my doubts, who am I to tell someone they can’t? Instead, I insist they can!
Some workplaces are not encouraging. Also, regrettably, some jobs suck. No Jedi mind trick will change it. That’s where a little appreciation goes a long way. So I make it my secret mission to give a little when I can.
“Thank you for coming to work today!” or, “It makes me happy to see you today!” or, “Wow, you’re talented!” take minimal effort to say, but can make someone’s day. So, if it is that easy, why not tell them? I do. Trust me; you’ll be surprised by the reactions!

Find Fun

Some workplaces and people have no room for fun. I get it. The wiring of people and organizations is often unique. One brand of fun doesn’t work for everyone. However, is that a good enough reason to not have any?
No, it isn’t.
So, I make it my secret mission to find and create fun where I can, but, in small doses. I agree that fun can be overdone.

Be Easy and Natural

Finally, and this came late to me, being “easy to work with” is much better than being “hard to work with.” Duh, right?
However, being comfortable and at ease with yourself and others isn’t all that easy. It requires some skill at reading people, knowing yourself, a bit of maturity and patience when communicating and reacting, and perhaps most challenging, some humility.
So, if you’re trying to be the next Steve Jobs, running around with high expectations, fierce judgment and continually changing opinions, best be sure you are Steve Jobs. Otherwise, you’ll come across as an ass no one wants to work with thinks they are a genius when they are not.
Makes me wonder, maybe Steve could’ve gotten even more done if his style was just a bit more relaxed?

Conclusion

Doing excellent work is always job one. Any “secret mission,” no matter how elaborate, cannot compensate for poor performance. Performance should be your primary focus.
If you have that together, then maybe adding a “secret mission” might be a way to enliven the workday for you and your coworkers. Perhaps you are the one who promotes exercise or reading more books. Maybe you are the champion of doing service work. I’ve seen all these “secret missions” from coworkers make a difference to folks over the years.
You can do it, so why not go for it. No telling where it may take you or your coworkers. Then maybe, when people look back at working with you, they’ll say, “Wow, what a great coworker!” Who wouldn’t like that!