A while back I wrote a post on LinkedIn called “Advice to My 22 Year Old Self.” In this post, I suggested that it’s OK to take some time for yourself at 22 — to figure out what’s important to you and where you’re going. Most others who wrote similar posts took a more serious tone.
The other day, I came across an article on Ms. Career Girl called “What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My First Career. You can see it at http://www.mscareergirl.com/2015/07/23/what-i-wish-i-knew-before-starting-my-first-career/
I really like all of the advice in this article, but I particularly like this one…
The Best Employees Make Themselves Vital — If there’s one thing you can do to avoid layoffs, get the raise you want, and grow in your career, it’s making yourself indispensable from day one. Look for the gaps that aren’t being filled and fill them. Speak up in meetings and offer helpful suggestions. Most importantly, throw out your job description and think like and entrepreneur. Your job as an employee is to make your business live up to it’s potential Become the person who lives that philosophy every day and you’ll move up faster than you can imagine.
I love the idea of becoming indispensable. In their book Indispensable! David Cottrell and Robert Nix say, “The indispensable person is an eager learner, action oriented and thankful for the opportunities ahead.” I agree. I advise members of my career mentoring site that lifelong learning, true commitment to their own success and an attitude of gratitude are important keys to success.
Carli Lloyd is an indispensable part of the US Women’s Soccer World Cup Champions team. You know the story by now, she scored three goals in the final against Japan and was named the most valuable player of the tournament. But you probably don’t know that during the soccer off season, Carli Lloyd trains twice a day, everyday, including holidays. She is that committed to her fitness and success.
In his very interesting book Everything Counts! my friend Gary Ryan Blair says, “Gratitude Counts — A successful life requires ongoing growth, and gratitude ensures this growth. Gratitude heightens awareness and expands your interaction with the world.” He’s right. an attitude of gratitude is important to your success.
Want to become indispensable? Follow these three simple steps. Keep on learning. Do the work it takes to ensure your success. Be grateful for the opportunities you get.
Your career mentor,
Bud
PS: I write this blog to help people create the life and career success they want and deserve. Now I’m going one step further. I’ve created a membership site in which I’ve pulled together my best thoughts on success. And, as a reader of this blog, you can become a member for free. Just go to www.BudBilanich.com/join to claim your free membership. You’ll be joining a vibrant and growing community of success minded professionals. I hope to see you there.
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