Are you an “and”… or a “but”? In this episode, we unpack a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Be a good employee and… not just a good employee, but.” At first hearing, it sounds like a tongue-twister—but it captures one of the most important distinctions in any workplace. There are people who do their job well and elevate the team… and there are people who do their job well but take more than they give.

We talk through what this difference looks like in real life—how the “and” employees open doors, build trust, and create value far beyond their job description, while the “but” employees quietly drain energy, morale, and momentum. Because doing your job gets you your paycheck… but doing your job and something else is what builds your reputation and shapes your opportunities.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between a “good employee and…” vs. a “good employee but…” • How small, consistent behaviors shape how people talk about you • Why adding value matters more than simply completing tasks • What leaders look for when deciding who gets opportunities • How to intentionally shift from neutral to positive impact

🛠️ Action Step:

Ask yourself today: “When people talk about me, do they use and or but?” Identify one specific way you can add value—help someone, anticipate a need, solve a problem, support the team—and practice being an “and.”

📌 Perfect For:

• Early-career professionals learning workplace expectations • Leaders coaching their teams toward higher impact • Anyone wanting more influence, trust, or opportunity • Teams looking to build a culture of contribution • People striving to grow beyond “doing the minimum”