How To Become Indispensable At Work

Even when the job market is at its peak, it’s essential to put your best foot forward at work as a great contributor.

This ensures that your employer will view you as a critical asset — as someone the company just can’t afford to lose. So, if you are determined to work your way up the ladder of success, aim to be indispensable. Read on to find out how…

1. Aim for excellence. To be indispensable means you do your work with excellence. If you aim to be better each day you go to work, people will notice your efforts. This doesn’t mean you have to work extended hours and become stressed out. It means using your time intelligently to deliver the best work you can, and, if and when necessary, giving any extra effort needed to complete your work. Try your best to promptly deliver consistent quality.  If you build this kind of reputation, you will eventually lead the pack.
2. Keep your promises and commitments. You must honor your promises and commitments — be there when you say you’ll be; submit  reports as promised, etc.  Be efficient and clear when communicating with your boss, clients, and co-workers. If you think you cannot deliver as committed, make sure you let concerned parties know as soon as possible. Be accountable — even for the most disappointing of outcomes. What is important here is earning people’s trust.
3. Stay informed about current trends. Don’t just sit back because you’re doing well in your own “corner.” Stay up-to-date with current events and trends — not just in your industry, but in other sectors and the economy at large, as well. There is connectivity among industries and sectors that may not be readily apparent, but may be vital nonetheless. If you can situate your company’s place within the industry’s current trends, you will be able to contribute more to its performance improvements, creating better chances for career growth for yourself. Similarly, an understanding of the market and how your company performs against competitors is critical for an employee who seeks to be indispensable. You will be in a better position to contribute in strategic business discussions if you are well-informed about your industry and market trends. Read broadsheets, blogs, industry publications, and other articles. Subscribe to newsletters to stay up to date on the latest events and products in your company’s market. Attend different seminars and forums related to your line of work. Enroll in online courses to obtain more relevant skills. Above all, keep on learning.
4. Initiate and be innovative. An indispensable employee doesn’t wait for assignments to land on his/her desk. If you want to make a good impression, volunteer and take initiative. If you have brilliant ideas, be sure they are heard. However, do not volunteer just for the sake of being noticed.  Volunteer genuinely to make a difference. Give suggestions and do not be afraid to innovate. Make an effort to actively participate in the execution of your proposals. People need to see that you are not just a “talker,” but you’re a “doer,” as well.
5. Be optimistic. People usually hang out with those who  have a positive “vibe.” Staying on top is all about attitude. So, stay positive and extend a helping hand whenever it is needed. This piece of advice is critical to the success of any endeavor, big or small, because it is optimism that motivates a person to strive harder, regardless of failures.
6. Foster internal rapport. To succeed, it’s not just about the things you know, or the bright ideas you have, but the people with whom you’ve built relationships. Make sure you cross departmental lines to  assist other business units, gaining exposure to and building your reputation with executives of those business units as you go. Your chances of moving up the career ladder are greater if you’ve worked successfully with other business units and have fostered a strong rapport with them. If you demonstrate excellent work habits, other business units will take note of your abilities, and may remember you favorably when career opportunities arise.
7. Go the extra mile. If you are given a task you think is outside the scope of your job description you should undertake it with the same efficiency and dedication you demonstrate doing your “real” job. Even when an assignment is obviously outside the scope of your responsibilities, never say “no — it’s not my job.”  As long as it is not illegal or inappropriate, do the work the best you can with good cheer.  You’ll be doing your boss or whoever assigned you the work a favor that could eventually work to your advantage.  Everything you do, whether it is your job or not, is valuable to your organization. This is how an indispensable employee looks at the world and thinks.
8. Take the lead. Don’t be afraid to demonstrate your leadership ability. In fact, volunteer to lead an effort or project, even if it’s small. Do your very best to deliver quality deliverables, on time and on budget. Build a solid rapport with your project team and make every effort to bring out the best in them. By doing this, you are not just building your own reputation for positive leadership and teamwork, but your teammates’ reputations, as well. To be indispensable, you have to go above and beyond. If you put your best foot forward, day in and day out, no employer will want to lose you.  You will be “indispensable.”