It wasn’t that long ago that jobs were plentiful, perks were handed out like candy and workers changed jobs at will.
Fast forward to the year 2010, and this situation is decidedly different. Now, employees are scrambling to find a position—any position. Employers are tightening their belts and trimming their workforces.
If you are one of the lucky ones who has actually landed a job, you need to be concerned about keeping it. The secret to doing just that is to make your boss believe that you are irreplaceable. So, how can you make that happen? This article and the ones that follows will give you some insight on just how to do this.
During the course of your career, you have undoubtedly seen what happens when the Boss asks his employees to do Task Z. His request is usually met by grumbling and discontent.
Regardless of whether you think the task is stupid, making yourself indispensable is all about being the first to step up to the plate and say “Yes! I’ll take care of that for you, Mr. Johnson.!” If you systematically do this, over time Mr. Johnson will come to rely on you as his ‘go-to’ person and your job is likely to be safe.
Of course, as with all things, there IS a down side to this…And that is, that you are bound to antagonize your co-workers with what they perceive to be a ‘goody two-shoes’ approach. Ask yourself this: Would you rather win a popularity contest with your fellow employees or bring home a paycheck that will enable you to take care of your family? (Well, gee: THAT was a tough one, wasn’t it??)
When you’re given an assignment to complete, show some initiative by taking things beyond the basics and elaborating on what you’ve been asked to do. Try to conceptualize other projects that would be of assistance to your boss and do them without asking.
If you’re truly in the dark as to what would be helpful, complete what you’ve been given and ASK him/her whether you might lend a hand anywhere else. Chances are, the answer will be a resounding YES! And, chances are, as well, that your boss will be surprised and pleased by your spirit of volunteerism.
Finally, try to come up with problem-solving ideas to present to your Manager. Just showing him/her that you care is the first step in becoming indispensable.
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