Career Development

How to be indispensable at work

admin • 17 Sep 2023

Being an indispensable professional at work becomes increasingly important. After all, the job market is increasingly competitive and demanding.

Not to mention the pressure to be ever more effective and productive. Therefore, keeping the job and having the ability to progress in the career requires effort and dedication.

Therefore, the professional seen as essential by the company has more stability and job security. Check out the tips we prepared for you.

What does being indispensable at work entail?

The general perception is that being indispensable means doing the job well, better than others. That is, being the right person for the job, the specialist, the source of knowledge.

When you become indispensable, your opportunities at the company increase. So it's easier to get promoted or negotiate a pay raise.

Therefore, you have more job security and chances to advance your career. After all, it is unlikely that the company will dismiss an employee who fulfills all his duties.

Characteristics of an indispensable professional

But after all, what makes a professional indispensable? See some features below:

• It is productive;
• Likes challenges;
• It's positive and doesn't keep complaining;
• He is always teaching or helping his colleagues;
• You are constantly learning something new;
• Knows the company well (processes, products, or services);
• Presents solutions and solves problems;
• Knows how to work under pressure.

Often, a professional with this profile must master skills that are not prerequisites for the position.

Doing the job well and going after what is needed without waiting makes this professional stand out and be well-regarded by leadership.

Tips for being indispensable at work

First and foremost, straightforward attitudes like being positive, being polite, taking feedback when it's given, and being dependable are great ways to make yourself essential to the company.

To become an essential employee, check out the tips below.

1. Be Extremely Reliable

Being a reliable professional isn't just about being on time; it's more than that. It's about being there when things get rough.That is, it is that individual on whom the employer or team can rely.

When you help out in a difficult situation, it shows that you are more reliable than the average employee.

So if you need to stay a few hours longer on a given day, instead of complaining, try to help. If you find a solution to the problem at hand, even better.

In many companies, professionals who are always willing to help are more valued than those with a lot of knowledge but who are never available when needed.

2. Make your boss' job easier

If you're making your boss's job easier, then chances are he'll help you when you need it. Having someone influential on your side is significant.

Therefore, if you are seen as a person who facilitates the work of the boss and the team, you will have more opportunities in the company.

So try to find a gap in your boss's skills. See something you can do that your boss can't.

The more your boss depends on you, the more indispensable you become.

But it's important to remember that facilitating the boss's job is not the same as being a sucker. This will only bring you problems, such as being frowned upon by colleagues and even your boss.

3. Participate in important projects

Focus and prioritize the most critical work, not the easiest one. This will help you to build a good image in the company.

Whenever possible, volunteer on projects other employees don't want to do. In this way, you will be seen as a dedicated and proactive professional.

4. Be an expert

Another important step towards becoming indispensable is being an expert who is the right person for the job.

To do this, try to discover and specialize in essential knowledge for your company. Take courses, training, read, and improve your skills. Run after all necessary knowledge.

Also, teach or help your colleagues using this knowledge whenever you can.

If you can give a presentation or provide in-house training, volunteer. Thus, you will be recognized as an expert on the subject, in addition to catching your boss's attention.

5. Share knowledge

In the workplace, it's essential to position yourself as an expert. But it's also important that you can share your experience and knowledge with the team.

Therefore, add value to the company whenever possible and be seen for it.

Some still believe that sharing knowledge will make it less important in the company. But this is a big mistake.

When you help a colleague at work, you position yourself as someone who dominates a subject, a reference.

6. Network

Knowledge and experience are important in the workplace, but who you know is essential. This can determine your growth in the company.

So, building relationships with influential people can make you indispensable. Your network of contacts can set you apart from other professionals.

So, the more people you meet and maintain a good relationship with, the more opportunities you will have. That simple.

Therefore, take advantage of every opportunity to network with other professionals, even if they are from other departments.

7. Offer solutions

No manager cares about problems; everyone wants solutions. So, to be indispensable, you need to find ways to solve problems.

But the good news is that you can develop this skill. For example, when you hear a colleague complaining about something not working, figure out how to fix it.

This way, you show your value to your boss and the team.

If you think that solving problems is difficult, follow the following step-by-step:

• Identify the problem
• Determine the root causes
• Find multiple solutions
• Select the solution that works best
• implement the solution
• Measure the success of the solution