You will be changing jobs, maybe companies or just careers. But which ever field you go, it requires you to make a conscious choice of being indispensable. With increased turnover and less time to prove yourself to higher-ups, how can you make yourself indispensable? That’s one of the topics I’ll be discussing in this presentation. For more such presentation, follow the link - https://vimeo.com/maureeneoconnell

2.  Have you ever been passed over for a position you
really wanted?
 Have you been overlooked when it came to a project
you desperately wanted to be involved in?
 Wouldn’t you like to become the one who the
powers-that-be of your company simply cannot do
without?

3. How to do it?
 The simplest way to become indispensable is by
increasing your strengths.
 Today this term has different connotations: it’s not
about just doing what you already know better, but
also about cross-training.
For instance, an experienced marathon runner may not
significantly increase his running speed by doing
mundane stretching exercises or running over long
distances. Rather, what could help him achieve this
goal, is swimming or bicycling.

4. What to do?
 Dabble in complementary skills to make yourself more
well-rounded.
 Learn more about relative fields and fields
interdependent with yours. Gain more knowledge about
them. Having in-depth knowledge of only your field is not
enough.
 If you are result-oriented, then consider building
relationships. If you think your integrity is being taken for
granted, consider developing assertiveness, it is a great
mode of communication. The result will be dramatic.

5. The BIG Question
This question might probably be in your
head:
How to increase your
strengths?
Let us look at it step-by-step.

6. 1) Know Your Strengths
 This process starts with identifying what your current
strengths are.
 Take some time to introspect and make a list of your
strengths as succinctly as possible, preferably in simple
bullets should help to start.
 You could request your immediate bosses and
subordinates for specific feedback. Use a qualitative and
quantitative questionnaire; the former enables them to
point out your strengths and weaknesses, while the latter
lets them rank these on a scale.

7. Don’t try to be a fix-it-all
 The secret to being indispensable is not being a jack
of all trades but master of a few crucial ones – those
that overshadow any weaknesses you may have.
 A single outstanding strength could make you an
obvious choice when compared to competitors who
are good at a variety of tasks but exceptional at
none. They are replaceable; you won’t be!

8. 2) Choose Your Focus
Once you have decided that you will master a couple of
strengths, the question arises as to which 2 should you
choose amongst say, 10 great ones?
The answer lies hidden in your responses to these 2
questions:
1. Which do you feel most passionate about?
2. Which is important to your business?

9. Both questions are equally important.
 If your selected focus doesn’t contribute to the
growth of your business, it becomes a pursuit of
leisure and is of no use to you professionally.
 If it is of immense use to the company but doesn’t
spark any interest in you, it will turn into a frustrating
and energy-depleting chore.
 One way to arrive at a convergence is by listing your
top 5 desired competencies and your organization’s
top 5 priorities. The 1 or 2 that match should become
your focus.

10. 3) Develop Your
Complementary Skill
 Once you have a complementary skill to focus on,
make an action plan to develop it.
 For instance, if you want to develop technical
proficiency in IT, you must consider undergoing
formal training, meet technical experts and read
manuals and publications related to the product.

11. Conclusion
 Improvement can be seen if it is done right within the
first two months.
 Ensure that you are progressing a little more every
month.
 Your newly gained skills will eventually shine
through of their own accord and enhance your
existing strengths and you will be well on your way
to becoming indispensable!

12. Maureen O'Connell
Maureen O’Connell is Executive VP, CFO and CAO
for Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL).
Finance and Accounting are her forte.
She also excels at Administrative Function such as
Strategic Planning & Business Development, Global
Operations & IT and Human Resources.