We don't all want the same thing.  

One person may be overjoyed to pay $4,000.00 for a functional used car so that they can invest more of their money. While another person is happy to carry a $400+ car payment for a newer model. The question isn't who spent their money better. The question is, how is each person measuring the value of their car in their life?  

For one person, the car's value is the money they are saving by not paying a car loan. For the other, the car's value is in the status and reputation it will bring to its driver. Each person's car provides a currency of value that is unique to that person. What about work?

Your success at work may be a promotion, but for me, it might be coming to work the next day. Your success currency is status; mine is "being welcomed." If you want to help me have a winning day, you'll need to show me that I'm welcomed. If I want to help you have a winning day, I'll need to show you how to acquire more influence and responsibility.  

If you want to help others, understand their currency.