Going the extra mile is how I like to approach work and business, always wanting to give more to clients, colleagues and the company.

I believe going the extra mile should be a natural desire. You should want to give good service, overachieve and give each your team, and clients, the service and attitude you would expect.

I call this having a GAD approach to your job, role and life. A Give a Damn attitude.

Going the extra mile is all about building relationships, internal and external, and making someone else feel good. In turn this makes you feel good about what you do, and that brings enjoyment to your work.

How can you show you are going the extra mile and GAD?

• Be transparent and honest with bosses, colleagues and customers
• Be reliable and responsive to them
• Give, or try to give, your absolute best, daily
• Understand your role, the expectation of your customers and business. If you don’t know what the professional expectations of you are, ask. And then exceed them!
• Promote and adhere to the ethos, vision and values of your business

“Give more, get more” – Brendan Beeken

What isn’t acceptable and shows lack of a GAD attitude?

• Not responding to emails or communications from, for example, your manager, colleagues or clients
• Not having the time to help clients or colleagues, or caring about them as a whole
• Doing the bare minimum or, worse still, doing nothing at all
• Burying your head in the sand as opposed to asking for help or support. A good boss is always there for you, so just ask
• Overpromising and underdelivering

Always give more, or at least strive to give more. It is not a big ask of yourself. This will ensure customer satisfaction and team enjoyment with a positive culture for the future.