All performance begins with your frame of mind. How you see yourself and your work predict your actions and behavior. I’ve identified four perspectives that generally describe how you could see yourself. It doesn’t matter if you’re in your first year or you’re retiring next year; you could exhibit any of the perspectives. While you may move within a couple of perspectives, one is your home base. Which one best describes you?

Entitled: I show up. I have already paid or shouldn’t have to pay my dues. I shouldn’t have to prove myself. I should already be esteemed by others because (fill in your reasons). My value is in what I’ve already done/my potential.

Employed:  I give you a good day’s work and you pay me for it. I’m a good assistant, doing what I’m told. Rather than overstep my boundaries, I defer to another’s lead.  My value is that you can count on me to complete my work (eventually).

Engaged: I look for opportunities to contribute and add value. Clients like me and rely on me. I’m so conscientious to meet expectations that I’m reluctant to delegate because I can do it better and faster myself. I know I can be a bottleneck, but that’s a small price to pay. My value is in how good I am.

Empowered: I assume ownership for my space. I take full responsibility for everything within my boundaries. I guide others in my space by delegating, yielding control, and holding people accountable, including myself. I have high expectations and get results. My value is in growing my area, my people and the firm.

If you’re like many others, you may see yourself in one perspective while everyone else sees you in another. This may be one reason why you feel undervalued by others. Do you know how you are viewed? How are they right? What do you need to do about it?