You are in professional service because you enjoy contributing—making a difference. It’s the essence of why you chose and remain in your career. It’s what brings you satisfaction AND you get paid for it. What a deal.

Since that’s the case, don’t forget those who benefit from your contributions. After all, those you serve expect and need a better you.

For instance, when you learn how to effectively guide, lead and handle your clients, you feel more confident and enjoy being successful. But the real winners are your clients. They benefit from being served well by you.

The same goes with growing your business. There are prospects out there who desire to be served by you. But they don’t know you or how to find you. That’s why learning to differentiate yourself and then to position yourself appropriately is not just a nice thing to do—it’s crucial. Crucial. They would benefit from finding you.

How about those in your firm you are raising up? If your current level of developing others remains as it is, they suffer because you could be better. Yeah, it’s easier for you to tell them it’s their responsibility to develop and pass the buck. But you play a key role in developing not only their technical skills, but also their professional skills. Your direction, guidance and feedback can’t be optional. Your staff benefit from your mentoring.

What about your leadership capabilities? You are already in various leadership positions. The question is how well do you fill them? Learning to lead is a skill that you cannot take lightly. You can’t hide behind your desk, or excuse yourself because you’re not a natural. Your followers benefit when you lead well.

These are the contributions that high-performing professionals develop. This week, commit to raise your professional stature and examine where you need to step up. The recipients of your high contributions will benefit greatly if you do.