How To Make Yourself Almost Indispensable

We often hear, “No one is indispensable in an organization.” That is a true statement but a growing organization needs great people to make it successful. How do you ensure you stand out from the crowd so that when times turn bad, you will be the last on the list to be cut because you had just made yourself almost indispensable?

The keyword is “value” – how valuable are you in the eyes of the employer? The more the employer values your contribution as an employee, you are less likely to be eliminated.

Check the following list. Are you on the right track?

1. Excel in your work. This is the first rule – you are paid to do something. Are you doing and producing your work well by meeting and possibly exceeding the standards given? If you don’t know how to do something, are you the type that make excuses or are you the type that go and find out? And are you continually pursuing new ways to improve the ways you deliver your work? If yes, congratulations! You are in the employers good books. Today, you cannot afford to just meet the mark. One must make an ongoing impression by going beyond the acceptable performance standards.

2. Be proactive and willing to give more than you are paid for. Employers value employees that contribute to the bottom line. If you are the top sales guy, the answer is obvious. But not all of us are involved in bringing the revenue in directly, how do we fit into this category? Yes, you can by focusing on the bottom line every time you perform a given task. For example, an accounts officer can suggest ways to support the business development or sales department in analyzing past data and trends to generate reports that help to target the right market. It may not be stated in your job scope but if you are able to show yourself the ability to give more than you are paid for, you’ve just won the hearts of your employers.

3. Be part of the solutions and not the problem. Stop whining and gossiping when things are not going well in the office. Negative energy brings people down including your bosses. Remember your bosses are human too and they need motivation and inspiration as much as you do. Be positive and think along side with your bosses. Suggest ideas and though they may not be accepted all the time, your bosses would take note that you are a team player that cares for the organization’s progress and development.

4. Cultivate good relationships with everyone especially your bosses. Find opportunities to know them personally. Somehow by knowing someone at a personal level, you would strike an emotional cord and believe me , it’s tough to eliminate a so-called “friend” when an unpopular call needs to be made.

5. Be the company ambassador. Are you proud of your company and had been spreading good news outside? Are you offering your new colleagues guidance and encouragement? Bear in mind, words get around very quickly, whether it’s good or bad news. Employers love employees that shares the company’s mission and goals. It would take a lot for them to get rid of someone that cares so deeply about the company.

In a way, to be a successful employee is very similar to running a small business. If you want to make yourself almost indispensable, you have to think and act like owners. With that mentality, you would give your all and no sane employer would want to let such a gem slips away.

Other posts you may want to read:

1. Probation: Some Questions Answered
2. Constructive Dismissal – What To Know
3. Employment Difference: Casual Vs Temporary Vs Part Time
4. Reference Checking On Your Next Employer
5. The Performance Appraisal
6. How to Keep a Job During Recession
7. Reference Check: Sample Questions
8. Employee Handbook

Author's bio: Sinsee is the co-founder of Allyhunt.com, one of the fastest growing job sites in Malaysia. She blogs at Ally Blog and The Working Gal. You can reach her at sinsee[at]tm.net.my.