If you think about it, though, this phrase is reflective of our culture.  With almost every interaction with others, we tend to look at what we get in return.  We’re very individualistic and even self-centered.

When you look at your career decisions, you’re constantly searching for ways to help you achieve your personal career and life goals.  That’s fair enough, I suppose, but let me challenge you with this thought: Not everything can be measured by what it gives to you in return.

If you always looked out solely for your own interests, cathedrals would never get built.  Those ravaged by natural disasters would never get helped.  Most countries would never have been formed.

I’ve been pondering this fact, because for the last week I’ve been at a conference with others who are passionate about the revival of sacred music in our faith.  The entire organization is based on volunteer contributions, and people are giving an incredible amount of time, energy and money to a cause which may not reap the biggest benefits during their lifetime.

They do it because it’s important for others, to benefit the human race.  WIIFM doesn’t even enter the picture.

If you think about it, you see that it means it’s even more important than things which will yield a return for any individual or even a small group.

We believe that we can’t take any of this with us when we die, so the most important things are those which will be carried on by others over the course of generations.  A personal and cultural legacy.

But to be realistic, I do get something in return.  The satisfaction of believing that I’ve contributed to making an important difference.

An important resource

I talked before about the importance of LinkedIn.  If you’re a professional, I would recommend this above any other online investment of time, because you’ll get connected with people who can give you valuable information, and possibly connect you with future jobs.

But many don’t know that there’s other useful aspects to LinkedIn.  You can search for people who you know who work (or worked) at a company you’d like to be hired by.  You can contribute to group discussions with others in your profession, thus establishing your expertise and credibility.  You can look for others who might need help and mentoring.

Locally, we have an expert who gives LinkedIn seminars in connection with our government workforce center.  Look around – there’s a lot of expertise you can tap.

Connect with Carl on Facebook and LinkedIn to get timely updates and connections to a broader range of professionals.