5 More Keys to Becoming Indispensable at Work

Here are the "5 More Keys to Becoming Indispensable at Work" from
people like you who have walked the walk. These are your words:

1. Be Truly Engaged.

When decision time comes, and one of two people needs to be
retrenched, the one who exhibits the "5 Keys to Becoming Indispensable
at Work" will remain. The most important point is flexibility; a
crisis means an opportunity for change in one's own work
responsibilities, voluntarily and with individual foresight.

As one reader puts it, "In our business, we find time and time again
that it's the truly engaged employees who rise to the occasion - and
they're the ones you want to hang on to."

2. Provide Exceptional Value

Consistently demonstrate exceptional value to your clients and to your
business or organisation. In order to do this well, you have to invest
time, energy, and creativity to understand your clients' and
stakeholders' business, goals, and requirements.

Are you sugar or a diamond? Are you a commodity, or do you
differentiate yourself from others? The better you deliver and act on
the principles listed in the article "5 Keys to Becoming Indispensable
at Work," the more value you provide to your employer. Any successful
person will deliver quality and maintain good relationships with
decision-makers. However, this fact alone won't make you stand out.
Never be a commodity, always work to differentiate yourself, and stay
hungry.

3. Multitasking Is Crucial

Multitasking is crucial, and being able to juggle multiple balls
without letting many drop is critical to being considered
indispensable. Make sure to follow up as promised.

4. Watch out for Signals from the Business

Watch out for signals from the business on appetite and readiness.
There are times when it is all systems go and other times when it is
back to basics. Those who are seen as indispensable always know the
difference between the two and are ready to embrace the change.

5. Growing Your Network Outside Your Company.

There is never a shortage of opportunities for people who add value to
their employers. One of the greatest ways of doing this is to develop
your network outside your company. I learnt this lesson later than I
should have, but when I saw the power of networks, I worked hard to
build and communicate with my network and build strong relationships
that have brought benefit to businesses for which I have worked.

My business partner has a saying: "Never burn your bridges." To her,
this means: "Keep in touch with your network. If you chose to leave a
company, always leave it respectfully. Observe your obligations under
your contract."

Growing your network and gaining their trust takes years.

Chris Gaborit, Managing Director, The Learning Factor - Australia and
Asia's Leader in Training Outsourcing.