The biggest problem is that most companies don't reciprocate. Sure, you could give "110%", but many have ridiculous corporate policies that are blind to such behaviour. And as soon as they can find a way to do your job cheaper, you'll be out of there.

I've been there, I've seen it, and it's rather unfortunate. At smaller, more dynamic, and interesting companies certainly your efforts will be rewarded. But for many, why give more to a company that doesn't even see you as a person anymore, but a "resource".

Wow. The bitterness in your tone seems to show the disconnect of personal work ethic and your hatred and disdain for the corporate authority.

If you hate the company that much that you refuse to give you best each and every day.... get a new job.

Hate to say it, but in most technology companies people ARE the #1 asset. And the #1 liability too. It's a cost center. And the company has to balance taking care of you and your needs to ensure you PRODUCE something of value. In essence, you actually may be looked upon as a resource "on the books". The question all becomes on how valuable you are to the company. Remember the goal of a company is to generate net profits. That means make money.

There is nothing wrong with that. And if you believe that you are seen as nothing more than a "resource"... then you missed the point of my post. People seen as "resources" are the ones with your sort of attitude. Who won't seek excellence in themselves at all times, irregardless of the environment you are in.

People matter. But not in the way you think.

Businesses are run on "systems". Business work flow processes that continue to generate a consisent and expected result each any every time they are used. Systems run the business, and people run the systems.

Without people, work wouldn't get done. The goals and objectives of the business HAVE to be the focus of everyone in the organization. However, it is the responsibility of all in the business to refine and streamline processes in a way to gain more efficiencies, and find ways to MAKE more money, or SAVE more money. Yes, that means if they can find a cheaper way of doing something, they are responsible for considering that.

I can tell you this. If you worked at my company and had that attitude and thought you could skate by, I'd replace you too. The question would REALLY be whether I would find another place in the organization where you could be challenged, have fun and add value to the business. If you weren't always trying to get the best out of yourself, why should your manager(s)?

You're right that some big businesses miss this. But instead of fretting about how they won't notice you, wouldn't it be MORE productive to get the most out of your experience by going above and beyond... striving for excellence in yourself. They will eventually see it, or you will move on to someplace where someone else will. All the while, you are constantly challenging yourself and doing an amazing job you can be proud of.

If you aren't proud of it... don't do it. Simple as that.

So your comment of "you could give 110%" is the vein of the problem. Replace "could" with "should". And if you are unwilling to do that where you currently work... then maybe you should go find other work. You obviously don't like it there.

Actually, I think the first commenter is looking at it wrong. He/she points out that their company isn't reciprocating and giving them more rewards. Isn't your post about the fact that too many people expect rewards for just doing their job?

I love the IT industry. Ya, we get ignored way too frequently... but that is because management don't always understand what we do. But they rely on us. We HAVE to do a great job. Of course, I would do this even if I had to flip burgers to pay rent.

I see attitudes like "IT Worker" all the time. They never get anywhere in life. They get stuck in the same position, hating how they are treated yet do nothing to actually make themselves more valuable to the company. And they usually move on to some other industry down the road. They don't make it long term.

Great article Dana. I wish more employers had this sort of attitude... balancing taking care of the people while still building a successful business so we can actually be paid.