Note: there is a small error in the article. It mixes up the WSP solution, and the Informa solution, and the QCA audit solution is the first to address a data flow methodology with a centralised database for collaborative working.
In the world of business and technology, many workers are adept at following trends, adopting the latest tools, and utilizing the most recent software updates. However, the real value lies not in simply jumping on the latest bandwagon, but in the ability to think differently, solve problems that others don’t see, and deliver solutions that are not only effective but transformative. This is the story of how such critical thinking can significantly increase your value in any organization, and, ultimately, why it can triple your pay.
When I was working at Elixir, my pay was tripled, and the reason for that is clear: I was producing solutions that nobody else was even considering. The IT department was entirely focused on big, expensive systems—solutions that only addressed part of the problem. Their go-to response to any requirement was to ask for a new system. But what was missing was an understanding of the simpler, more effective solutions that could be achieved using tools already available, such as Excel.
Excel, at its core, is a powerful tool if used creatively. It’s not just a spreadsheet software; when used correctly, it can revolutionize how data is stored, managed, and analyzed. However, no one in the IT field seemed to recognize its potential. Meanwhile, the Excel specialists were struggling to manage messy systems. They weren’t considering ways to streamline and centralize the data they already had access to. This is where I came in.
A perfect example of this is the WSP annual budgeting process. The company had implemented an SAP system in an attempt to streamline its financial management, but the system was a failure. After spending millions on the software, they were left with the same issues and large gaps in their management requirements. They called me back in to see how I could solve these issues. My solution? Excel. Simply by using Excel to store data centrally, I was able to create a groundbreaking solution that no one else had considered. It wasn’t complex, it didn’t require huge investments, and it didn’t rely on a new system. It was a simple, innovative solution that worked.
One of my first forays into this kind of thinking was during the QCA audit. The solution I created was incredibly simple, yet effective. I used an Access database as a central repository for data, streamlined the workflow for managing examiner fees and expenses, and integrated the system into the accounting process. The best part? It was easy to understand, cost-effective, and didn’t require complicated technology or an expensive implementation process. Despite its simplicity, no one else had thought of such an approach, and that was what made it valuable.
So, why was I paid so much for something that seemed so simple? Because nobody else had the foresight to think about it. In fact, most people were focused on systems and technologies that were not suited to the task at hand. The solution I provided was not about using the latest buzzword or showing off complex Excel functions. It was about delivering practical, results-oriented solutions that addressed the real needs of the management team.
One thing that many miss, especially those following trends on social media, is that not everything is suited for mass consumption or for flashy demonstrations. Social media influencers are often focused on showing off the latest features, such as Power Query or dynamic array formulas, because those are easy to explain and visually impressive. But these features rarely solve the deeper, more complex problems businesses face.
The key takeaway here is that real value comes from understanding the requirements of management and creating solutions that address those needs, not just the flashy tools and shortcuts that are often glorified on social media. If you can think critically and solve problems that others overlook, you will be seen as unique and indispensable.
This approach to problem-solving, where you see what others don’t and develop solutions that others fail to recognize, will set you apart. It’s not about using protectionist strategies or relying on buzzwords to ensure your job security. It’s about bringing innovative, thoughtful solutions to the table that continue to deliver value over time.
For example, the principles I introduced—such as the hub and spoke architecture—continued to provide value month after month. These were principles that anyone could understand and implement, but the ingenuity behind them lay in their simplicity and effectiveness. It was a new way of thinking that wasn’t being taught on social media or in conventional training courses.
The bottom line is this: your true value in the workplace isn’t determined by the tools you use, but by the unique perspective you bring to the table. If you can think critically, create innovative solutions, and address the real needs of your management, you will stand out. Your value will increase dramatically, and that’s how you can truly “triple your pay.”
In conclusion, the most valuable employees are not those who follow the latest trends or rely on complex systems that everyone else is using. They are the ones who think critically, solve problems, and innovate in ways that others don’t. This is what will set you apart and make you indispensable in any organization.
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