One highly effective way to ensure strong career prospects and long-term job security with your current employer is to become irreplaceable. This does not necessarily mean being the only person who knows how to do a particular task; rather, it entails becoming someone the company will want to retain because doing so is mutually beneficial. How can you achieve this irreplaceable status? That is the focus of this article.
These tips are based on an article from Addicted2Success.com.
Always be reliable
If you want to be irreplaceable, your supervisors and company must be confident in your reliability. Complete tasks on time. If you encounter a problem which might delay your work, address it proactively. Don't hesitate to speak up if difficulties or unexpected obstacles appear. Be someone who keeps their word and can be trusted with responsibilities without the company having to worry about the outcome.
Develop deep knowledge in a specific area
You can also become irreplaceable by developing expert-level knowledge in a narrowly defined field. If you become the go-to expert, someone whom colleagues, subordinates, or even clients regularly consult, you will secure a highly advantageous position within the company.
Learn to see your work in a broader context
Look beyond your immediate job description. Be someone who sees their work in the context of the company’s overall objectives. Keep in mind the benefit of the company as a whole, not just your personal goals or those of your team. If you demonstrate an understanding of the company’s priorities and prove you are not simply executing assigned tasks without reflection, you will gain extra credit in the eyes of your superiors or executive management.
Build strong internal and external relationships
Irreplaceability at work is closely tied to diplomacy. Don't underestimate the importance of building strong relationships, both within the company and beyond it.
Learn to communicate your achievements better
Occasional healthy self-promotion never hurts. The ability to present your successes effectively is key to gaining a strong position within the company. Remember that achieving an individual or team success is not enough in itself; equally important, if not more so, is presenting that success clearly and compellingly within the organisation.
-mm-