Everywhere you turn, companies are downsizing due to the depressed economy. What can you do to secure your employment, during these difficult times? Here are some tips that Bahamian Illustrated recommends to make you indispensable at work.
Speak the language of business
Every business speaks in a single language. It is the language of money. Whenever you think about yourself and your skills, try quantifying your value in terms of money you’ve saved or made the company — and how you can continue to do so. For instance, if you report that you followed up on 23 new customer leads last week, also tell how many of them requested quotes and how much income these potential sales could generate.
Show versatility of skills
“The last thing you want your boss to do is to think of your job as one that practically anyone can fill. Showing that you are capable not only of doing your present job well but that you possess abilities beyond your job description makes you more valuable and promotable. Multi – tasking should be the order of the day. Look for opportunities to mention and display transferable skills. For instance, if your boss asks for help formatting a document, you might respond by saying, “I don’t specialize in that program, but, tell you what; I’ve always been a problem solver. Let me take a look for you.”
Treat your boss like a customer
“Never forget that your boss is a customer: somebody who trades value (a paycheck) in the expectation of receiving value (your productivity),” Griffin, the Author of become indispensible at work notes. “To deliver total satisfaction to this key customer, you need to make it your business to know as much about his needs, wants and expectations as you possibly can.”
Foremost, you need to do excellent work. Ask questions to gather as much information as possible so that your output matches his desires. Take ownership when an issue comes up, meaning don’t let go of a subject until a satisfactory solution has been found.
Connect with Customers
Make an effort to connect with every client or customer you see. Make eye contact often, and it is very important to learn their names. Use Client’s names several times during your interaction with them. If a client feels welcomed or has a personal connection, they are more likely to return, thus making you indispensable.
Be the Company’s diplomat
A final piece of advice from Griffin: “The indispensable man or woman creates rapport with everyone in the workplace. It is up to you to see for yourself and to persuade others to recognize that the common goals of the enterprise outweigh all differences, conflicts and private motives.”
Some ways to do this include:
· Using rapport-building vocabulary; think “we, us and our” instead of “I, me and you.”
· Avoiding language that causes panic, such as “crisis,” “fault” or “cannot.”
· Demonstrating respect for the property, space and time of others.
· Offering to help, especially without being asked.
· Treating criticism as suggestions for improvement.
· Being accountable and apologizing when necessary.
· Resolving disagreements in ways that add to the bottom line, not that prove one person or the other was right.
By being the person who brings the team together, keeps the team together and positions it to win, bosses and colleagues will have a hard time envisioning the workplace without you.
