Ways to be irreplaceable at work

Economists can debate the finer points of whether or not we are facing a recession in Pakistan but there’s no doubt that the current economy is one centred on downsizing. With labour costs comprising most of a business’s operating costs, there’s good motive that job security is a top concern in the workforce. As compiled by womansday.com, Forbes and Women’s Health magazine, learn the insider tips on how to maximise your value on the job.

Do work that matters



Most employees can find tasks at work to remain busy and fly under the radar of the boss but it takes a little extra to shine. “To become indispensable, dig deeper and really think about the work that matters to the company and its success. Tackle those projects first,” says Amy Hoover, president of the recruiting firm Talent Zoo. What’s the difference between an employee who’s indispensable and one who’s not? “The number-one quality of an indispensable employee is a willingness to go above and beyond,” says Bonnie Low-Kramen, a cofounder of New York Celebrity Assistants and the author of Be the Ultimate Assistant. Basically, your work should be first-rate, not just good enough. Never assume that someone else will pick up your slack. To be justly irreplaceable, you need to be the person your boss turns to when they need something to be done right the first time around.

Honour your commitments



“Always do what you say you’re going to do,” Low-Kramen says. “If you’re responsible for something, people should be able to bank on it getting done.” Luke Kreinberg, a career coach with San Francisco’s Work in Progress, agrees, “Communicate to others what you are thinking about, what you are doing and what you have done.” Well-defined and efficient communication is even more imperative when, for whatever reason, you’re unable to deliver what you committed to do. “Life happens, you can’t always accomplish it all. But then the follow-up is twice as critical,” says Low-Kramen. “You might disappoint but, if you take ownership for things that go wrong as well as things that go right, you’ll only strengthen the sense that people can trust in you.”

Take initiative



“Develop an entrepreneurial spirit,” Kreinberg says. “Spot opportunities and execute them.” Its imperative you make it a pattern to do more than you’re asked for. To brand yourself positively you must make a good impression on your colleagues. Make an effort to volunteer for additional assignments and make suggestions for new projects that are in line with the company strategy. However, don’t just take initiative for its own sake, try to step into areas that will genuinely make a difference to your company. Think outside the box and be resourceful.  Possessing true knowledge in your field is chiefly significant to excel at the workplace.

Be willing to go the extra mile



This doesn’t mean you have to suck up to your superiors — but if you’ve got the time and means to give a little more than what’s expected, it can go a long way. Managers need help and support to perform their jobs well and having a dependable team member is an appreciated commodity. Andy Teach, author of From Graduation to Corporation adds: “Most employees just execute but, if you’re one of the few who are constantly coming up with new ideas and are taking on new responsibilities that aren’t required of you, this will go a long way in making you indispensable.” Volunteering for projects that other employees don’t want to work on will also solidify your position as an indispensable employee, he says.

Be a team player



To be a crucial part of the work team, you not only need to prove yourself to your supervisor but to your co-workers as well, says Teach. “If they’re always looking to you to lead them, to be the point person on projects, even though you aren’t their supervisor, this speaks volumes about you. Furthermore, offer to help your co-workers when they run into a tricky situation. Doing that makes you a dependable colleague and mentor which can only help your work relationship with them.” And always stick to being positive. Like they say, attitude is everything. “Smile,” advises Jim Penny, a partner at Heidrick & Struggles, one of the world’s largest executive search firms. “Be positive and help out, if it’s at all possible, whenever you’re asked.” Even when things don’t go your way, it’s important to maintain your focus on the positive. People would rather hang out with people who emit an optimistic aura.

Build internal relationships



It’s not just about what you know, it’s about who you know. “Try to take on a project or role that both strengthens your skills and lets executives outside your immediate area see you,” advises Penny. Help out with special projects and contribute to the company’s little tasks. Karen L. Thorson, a producer on the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire, expanded her visibility by cleaning out a supply closet. “I was working as a production assistant,” she explains. “Answering phones for a network TV show in the mid 80s. There was an awful supply closet in the office that everyone avoided. One day, when I had a lull, I attacked the closet and organised everything. It caught the producer’s eye and she asked me to be her assistant. It was the most important career move I ever made.”

Be a thought leader



When everyone agrees, it is difficult to stand out, Marsha Egan, a certified workplace productivity and business leader coach says, “By applying yourself in a way that provides new and valuable thinking that benefits your company, you become a thought leader.” Great leaders are always indispensable. To demonstrate your leadership skills, ask to be permitted to take charge of a project, no matter how small. When you’re able to deliver exceptional results on time and on budget, your colleagues will be forced to take notice. Plus, if you’ve managed your team members successfully, you will have demonstrated your capability to foster individual growth and build morale. Egan adds, “True leadership is about being authentic, self-correcting and — most important — being able to foster a great relationship with your team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12^th,  2015.

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