Sameer

Dear Sameer,

I understand your dilemma—it’s tough to know exactly what “adding value” means when it isn’t clearly defined. And, without much feedback from your boss, it can feel like you’re expected to read their mind. But don’t worry, I have some ideas for how you can approach this and set yourself up for success in your next review.

First, let’s tackle what “adding value” could mean. It’s likely about enhancing the impact of your team’s work on the organization. That could involve improving the quality or efficiency of the services you provide, solving persistent problems, or meeting the evolving needs of your stakeholders. But you don’t want to start from scratch without getting some clarity.

Here’s where you can start:

1. Reflect on Your Own Experience
   Think about your team’s services and the challenges you’ve noticed. Ask yourself: What issues or gaps have come up repeatedly in your work?What problems do people complain about that your team might be able to solve? You may already have a lot of ideas based on your experience—start there.
   
   

2. Engage Your Team
   Ask your team what they’re hearing from the people they serve. They may be closer to the issues and needs that aren’t on your radar. You can ask them: What do people seem to need or want that we don’t currently address? Their insights can be invaluable in spotting areas where you could add more value.
   
   

3. Survey Your Stakeholders
   Consider creating a simple survey to send to those who use your team’s services. This is a great way to directly understand their expectations and identify areas for improvement. Ask them what’s working well, what could be better, and if there are additional services they’d find valuable. Even if some of the suggestions aren’t within your scope, you’ll gain useful feedback that shows you’re proactive in improving the service your team provides.
   
   

4. Propose Concrete Ideas to Your Boss
   Once you’ve gathered ideas, prioritize them based on feasibility and impact. What can you do that will provide the highest value with the least amount of effort or cost? Share these ideas with your boss, along with a clear plan of how you’d implement them. This will demonstrate that you’ve understood her vague request and are acting on it.
   
   

If you’re still off track, at least you’ll show initiative, and hopefully your boss will provide more specific guidance. Taking action, even without complete direction, shows leadership and can help you build momentum. You might discover that you have more intuitive insights than you realize, and by trusting your instincts, you can make a real difference.

Lastly, keep your boss updated as you move forward. Regularly share progress and be open to feedback. Action leads to results, and keeping the lines of communication open will keep you aligned with her expectations.

Best regards,

Yogesh