"Indispensable?"

You want security in your life as a professional? Make yourself indispensable. Seth Godin says you need to make yourself a "linchpin" in your organization. His new book, Linchpin, describes the dramatic change that has taken place in marketplace America. Where people were once asked to do what they were told to do and not think twice about it. Today, they are being told to think about things, at least twice, before they do them and create new, more effective, more efficient, and more profitable ways do do it while they are at it. It is no small revolution of performance going on in our lives.

I am sure Godin is right. I am not sure everyone knows or realizes its impact on their lives. So, how do we make ourselves indispensable? I recommend you read Seth's book. However, I want to weigh in on the discussion myself. Here are some ways I believe you can make yourself such a value to your organization that they won't want to, nor will they will be able to, let you get away.

To begin with, make people better around you. Be a leader in your organization. I am not talking about titles or positions. I am talking about influence. Help people around you become more effective. Provide them the support and encouragement they need, support that they are not getting, and probably won't get, from the postitional people in their world.

Take ownership for who you are and for what you do in your organization. I am not talking about making a purchase or putting stock in your portfolio. I am talking about taking responsibility for creating value through your presence. Find the motivation within yourself for creating a result that becomes an achievement you can celebrate. Move from being a cost to your organization and become the best return on investment they have on the books.

Become a connecting force. Take the challenge of insuring effective communication with the people you depend upon for your success. Effectively engage communication challenges with those who work with you and with those who manage you. Don't avoid the engagement of conflict. At the same time, don't create destructive conflict yourself. Neutralize gossip and produce connection.

Becoming indispensable might appear at first glance to be beyond your reach. The truth is it is within your grasp. It is something you can choose to become. It is something you need to become. It is something you must become. The time has come. It is no longer a warning. It is your new reality. Do well, my friends!