What It Really Means To Give 110%

While attending the Milestones in Mentoring Gala a few years ago, I engaged in a small group conversation that revolved around the topic of giving 110%. The group consensus was that we can only give 100% and that unhealthy work culture has caused us to perpetually raise the bar on expectations where 110% is no longer the new normal; it is the requirement. Current company culture continues to set the bar to ambitious heights, and because we are so used to not reaching them, the average employee will settle for 80% of the work necessary to accomplish tasks, as opposed to putting in their best effort.

Although I found myself agreeing with this take, I did not want to abandon my beliefs in setting ambitious goals to achieve excellence. Instead, I challenged myself to explore what it means to give that 110% effort. 

From my understanding, we attribute this mindset as a direct correlation of effort compared to success, where it is merely judged solely off on throughput. I want to shift the narrative from an internal point of view, an effort that solely focuses on surpassing quotas and market goals, to a point of view that is external, where the extra 10% is found from the effort put forth outside of the role rather than in.

So where does the additional 10% come from?

I argue that the extra 10% comes from the outside impact you can make from the roles you serve. This can be done through monetary and in-kind donations, as well as volunteering your time to make a difference. 

A great example I found during our NMGZ Community field trip to Chicago was learning about chef José Andrés' story when enjoying a delectable meal at Bazaar Meat. I believe Andrés leads a life of serving that reflects the different ways of giving 110%, and then some.

Michelin-starred chef José Andrés, outside of being the co-owner of ThinkFoodGroup owning nearly 40 restaurants in the US and internationally, also founded the World Central Kitchen. Since 2010, the WCK has aimed to provide fresh meals, resources, and learning opportunities in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. Andrés himself has put in hours teaching and serving food to those in need.

How can we give 10%?

We may not be in the same position to find organizations that can operate on a global scale, but we can do our part in giving 10% back to our communities and causes abroad. 

The most convenient way to give is through monetary donations. Understanding which causes align with you and how organizations aim to find solutions to these problems is the first step in the process. This can range from donating to nonprofits, investing in scholarship opportunities for higher education, tithing to places of worship, and much more. The second step is to verify these organizations and understand if your money is going to the right place, which can be done through the IRS or third-party sites like Charity Navigator or Guidestar. The final piece is to donate your desired amount and know that you are making a difference to these communities.

For those who can not spare the money, know that time can be just as, if not more, valuable. Volunteering your time is what can propel these organizations toward new heights and be at the forefront of creating positive change. Volunteering may also give back to yourself through forging relationships and developing transferable skills in these opportunities such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. Being involved in this process allows you to see the real-time progress that these organizations make. 

What can this do for the workplace?

It is imperative to understand that we can change lives just by giving 10%. Striving for 110% effort in this way can change workplace culture from being narrow-minded on day-to-day tasks to understanding how the business allows its employees to have an impact on the world around them. I believe contributing to this outward calling can have a domino effect on workplace relationships. The actions of one employee may inspire other colleagues and encourage them to do the same. I believe that this shift from looking internally at company throughput to external action may be intrinsic to a high quality of life for yourself and those affected by your choice to act.

How does the NMGZ Community embrace this 110% culture?

From coming to this conclusion, I can see this outward impact in the organizations I align with. The NMGZ Community is a prime example of this. The organization was founded by students and civic leaders who embrace this mentality and have been vital in inspiring prospective youths to dream big and encourage those around them to do the same.

I believe the organizational makeup of students, faculty, administrators, and young professionals has a responsibility to push the envelope in challenging the misconceptions and stigmas surrounding Millennials and Generation Z, not only in the workforce but also in the way our society functions as a whole.