How to Make Yourself Indispensable at Work
Alice Tutunjian
No one is immune from what’s formally known as RIFs (reductions in force). When layoffs occur, typically, the first to go are those that recently joined the company, the underperformers or the highly compensated. In some instances, an employee is laid off simply because her boss doesn’t like her. Sometimes, from an employer’s perspective, there’s no rhyme or reason why some people hit the layoff list and others don’t. However, there are ways that you can avoid the inevitable by becoming a valuable employee.
So, what can you do to avoid being on the layoff list? Here are some actions you can take to be recognized as a star performer, an employee that the company cannot afford to lay off because of all the value she brings.
Volunteer to take on additional responsibilities, especially those responsibilities others avoid like the plague. Let’s say your company’s database is being used by hundreds of people yet customers’ information is incomplete or outdated. Take on the task of cleaning up that data. Are you yawning? If you take on what others avoid, your manager and others in the company will remember that you stepped up to the plate.
Cross-train in another functional area. Offer to cover a colleague’s duties while she is on vacation; ask your boss if you can cross-train in another area, another department. For example, if you are a Payroll Administrator, learn how to manage employee benefits as well. Keep learning, never stop.
Become super-efficient in using the company’s main software. For example, you can become extremely proficient in using your company’s CRM (customer relationship management) platform. Learn the software inside out. Ask for additional training, search for classes on-line, watch YouTube videos, read articles, join user groups; simply challenge yourself to learn more. Then be very forthcoming in training others and answering questions. In other words, be the “go-to-person”. Having a specialty that is needed by others will make you valuable. Think about what skills you have that others don’t, then develop that skill like mad.
Be trustworthy. Keep confidential information confidential. Don’t get caught up in the office gossip or politics. Deliver on your promises. Be transparent about your work. Follow up with your peers and manager. Consistently deliver quality work.
Under-promise and over-deliver. If your boss gives you a project deadline, complete the project in advance, not the night before it’s due. When working with others always ask for a deadline then work hard to get the assignment done before the deadline and produce quality work.
Be open to and embrace change. There’s nothing worse than having to deal with a whining employee who won’t accept change. Change is necessary, and pain is optional. Learn to embrace change and try new things. Change is a constant and fighting it won’t help your reputation in the workplace.
Come up with solutions. Instead of complaining or showing your disdain for a task or a procedure, anything for that matter, place your focus and energy on coming up with solutions instead. You may not always have the perfect answer but you will be recognized for your effort and contributions.
Be service-oriented. If you are in a role that provides internal and external services such as IT/Network Administrator, HR Manager, Project Manager, Corporate trainer, etc., then you need to like serving and training others. If you are an introvert and would rather be left alone all day in your corner to work undisturbed, you shouldn’t be in a service role. When people come to you for answers you need to be service-oriented, patient and have the ability to teach.
Learn about your company, its clients and employees. Get to know everyone in the company, learn about your clients, the industry and colleagues. Read publications, sign up for blogs, set up Google news alert, ask to work in client facing roles, hang out and learn from star performers.
Attitude is everything. Bring your best self, accompanied by a great attitude to work. Do you show up to work grumpy or walk in like a ray of sunshine every morning? Are you generous with your time? Respectful of others? Do you have a passion for your work or are you just showing up to work to earn a paycheck? Monitor yourself and your attitude. Have an open mind, be flexible and consider all viewpoints. People like being around and working with colleagues that are pleasant, open to new ideas, respectful and team-players. You don’t need to act a certain way, just be your best self.
Continue to develop yourself professionally. Change is inevitable and those who are amenable to change have a stronger chance to survive and grow. Never stop learning. We live and work in an era of knowledge, and knowledge is power and everything else. To stay relevant in today’s marketplace, you need to keep learning. There are so many ways to learn for free these day. Check out this blog for some great ideas on free learning resources.