The Art of Being Indispensable at Work

1. Real Influence: Serve to Lead

The more you serve others—by seeking to add value in every interaction—the more they want to build you up and help you out too.

Peculiar Math. Real influence isn't about wielding power; it's about earning it through service. The more you focus on adding value to others, the more they will want to support you. This isn't a quid pro quo, but a natural consequence of building trust and respect. It's a long-term strategy where generosity and service create a positive feedback loop, enriching both you and those you interact with. This approach contrasts sharply with "false influence," which relies on manipulation or pressure tactics that ultimately erode trust and relationships.

Servant Leadership. True go-to people are servant leaders, prioritizing the needs of others. They understand that their success is intertwined with the success of their colleagues. This mindset shifts the focus from "what can others do for me?" to "what can I do for others?" This approach fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual support, where everyone is invested in each other's success. It's about creating a win-win environment where everyone benefits from the collective effort.

Value in Every Interaction. The key to building real influence is to make every interaction count. This means being present, attentive, and genuinely interested in the needs of others. It's about looking for opportunities to add value, whether it's offering help, sharing knowledge, or providing support. This consistent approach builds a reputation for reliability and competence, making you the go-to person for your colleagues. It's about making every interaction a positive experience that leaves others feeling valued and supported.

2. Vertical Alignment: Know Before You Go

You have to go vertical before you go sideways (or diagonal): ensure alignment on priorities, ground rules, marching orders, and every next step through regular structured communication up, down, sideways, and diagonally.

Up and Down. Before navigating the complexities of lateral or diagonal relationships, ensure you're aligned with your direct boss and the chain of command. This means understanding the priorities, rules, and expectations set by leadership. It also means ensuring your direct reports are aligned with you and the leadership. This vertical alignment provides a solid foundation for effective collaboration and decision-making. It's about knowing what's required and what's allowed before trying to work things out at your own level.

Structured Communication. Regular, structured communication is essential for maintaining vertical alignment. This includes one-on-one meetings with your boss and direct reports, where you can clarify priorities, discuss progress, and address any challenges. It also means actively seeking feedback and sharing information to ensure everyone is on the same page. This consistent dialogue helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goals. It's about creating a clear and transparent communication channel that keeps everyone informed and aligned.

Power of Clarity. When you are aligned with your boss and your direct reports, you gain the power to operate with confidence and autonomy. You know what decisions you can make and what decisions require higher-level approval. This clarity allows you to work more efficiently and effectively, without constantly second-guessing yourself or seeking permission. It also empowers your direct reports to make decisions and take action, fostering a culture of ownership and accountability. It's about creating a system where everyone knows their role and has the authority to perform it.

3. Strategic "Yes": Plan for Success

Every yes is your opportunity to add value for others and build up your real influence. Don’t waste your yeses.

Yes is Action. Saying "yes" is where the real action begins. It's an opportunity to add value, build relationships, and demonstrate your commitment. However, not all "yeses" are created equal. A strategic "yes" is one that is carefully considered and well-planned, setting you up for success. It's about making a conscious choice to invest your time and energy in a way that will benefit both you and others. This approach contrasts with a sloppy "yes," which can lead to overcommitment, missed deadlines, and damaged relationships.

Due Diligence. Before saying "yes," engage in due diligence. This means asking clarifying questions, understanding the scope of the request, and assessing your capacity to deliver. It's about gathering all the necessary information to make an informed decision. This process protects both you and the person making the request, ensuring that expectations are realistic and achievable. It's about taking the time to understand the ask before committing to it.

Plan for Success. A strategic "yes" is always accompanied by a concrete plan. This includes defining clear deliverables, establishing timelines, and assigning ownership of tasks. It's about creating a roadmap for success that outlines all the necessary steps. This approach ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the project is set up for success from the outset. It's about turning a "yes" into a well-defined action plan that leads to tangible results.

4. Work Smart: Professionalize and Specialize

Work smart by professionalizing everything you do, specializing in what you do best, and steadily expanding your repertoire of specialties.

Professionalize. To work smart, you must first professionalize your work. This means mastering best practices, developing repeatable solutions, and creating job aids. It's about turning your work into a well-oiled machine that operates efficiently and effectively. This approach ensures that you are consistently delivering high-quality results, regardless of the task at hand. It's about taking pride in your work and striving for excellence in everything you do.

Specialize. Identify your strengths and focus on what you do best. This means specializing in areas where you have a natural talent and a passion for the work. By focusing on your specialties, you can maximize your impact and become a go-to person in those areas. It's about leveraging your unique skills and abilities to add value to the organization. This approach allows you to become a master of your craft and a valuable asset to your team.

Expand Repertoire. While specializing is important, it's also crucial to continuously expand your repertoire. This means seeking out new challenges and learning new skills. It's about stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing opportunities for growth. This approach ensures that you remain adaptable and relevant in a constantly changing work environment. It's about becoming a lifelong learner and a versatile contributor to your organization.

5. Finish Strong: One Thing at a Time

Finish what you start. The busier you are, the less you can afford to be a juggler.

No Juggling. In today's fast-paced work environment, it's easy to get caught up in juggling multiple tasks at once. However, this approach is often counterproductive, leading to decreased efficiency and increased error rates. Instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on completing one task at a time. This approach allows you to give your full attention to each task, ensuring that it is done well. It's about prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on completing tasks rather than simply starting them.

Focused Execution. To finish what you start, you need to create dedicated time blocks for focused execution. This means minimizing distractions and concentrating on the task at hand. It's about creating a space where you can work without interruption and make meaningful progress. This approach allows you to work more efficiently and effectively, completing tasks faster and with fewer errors. It's about creating a system that supports your ability to focus and get things done.

Small Chunks. Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach makes the project feel less daunting and increases the likelihood of completion. It also allows you to track your progress and celebrate small wins along the way. It's about creating a sense of momentum and making the project feel more achievable. This approach allows you to make steady progress and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the scope of the project.

6. Continuous Improvement: Relationships Matter

Keep getting better and better at working together. Lift people up and they will lift you up, too.

Relationships are Key. In the collaboration revolution, relationships are paramount. It's not enough to simply be good at your job; you must also be good at working with others. This means building strong, positive relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual support. It's about creating a network of go-to people who are invested in each other's success. This approach fosters a culture of collaboration and teamwork, where everyone is working together towards a common goal.

Celebrate Success. Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your successes, both big and small. This helps to build morale and create a positive work environment. It also reinforces the behaviors that lead to success, making them more likely to be repeated in the future. It's about creating a culture of appreciation and gratitude, where everyone feels valued and recognized for their contributions. This approach helps to build a sense of community and shared purpose.

After-Action Reviews. After every significant interaction or project, conduct an after-action review. This means reflecting on what went well, what could have gone better, and what lessons can be learned for the future. It's about using feedback to continuously improve your processes and relationships. This approach allows you to learn from your mistakes and make adjustments for future success. It's about creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

7. Go-to-ism: The Indispensable Mindset

Go-to-ism is the art of being (nearly) indispensable at work.

Philosophy of Service. Go-to-ism is a philosophy of work that centers on service. It's about making yourself incredibly valuable to others by consistently adding value in every interaction. This approach is based on the belief that the more you serve others, the more they will want to support you. It's about creating a positive feedback loop where everyone benefits from the collective effort. This mindset shifts the focus from self-interest to mutual benefit, creating a culture of collaboration and support.

Way of Conducting Yourself. Go-to-ism is also a way of conducting yourself at work. It's about being reliable, dependable, and always willing to go the extra mile. It's about being a problem-solver, a collaborator, and a positive influence on your team. This approach is based on the belief that your actions speak louder than words. It's about demonstrating your commitment to excellence through your consistent behavior.

Upward Spiral. Go-to-ism creates an upward spiral of real influence and mutual value-adding. The more you serve others, the more they will want to work with you and support your success. This creates a positive feedback loop that benefits everyone involved. It's about building a network of go-to people who are invested in each other's success. This approach creates a culture of collaboration and mutual support, where everyone is working together towards a common goal.

Last updated: January 20, 2025