Sadly, there are no guarantees in life (work-life included). However, there are certain traits, skills and behaviours you can work on to show your worth and value to a team/business.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the top employee traits learned along the way and share how you can implement them into your professional practice.
Progress in your career while being a valued and reliable team member with traits that companies value most! A guide to being seen as indispensable within your role and company.
For those short on time, we’ve summarised the basics here:
- Always be the first to put your hand up and take the lead
- Watch and know your company’s trends and growth
- Offer solutions to challenges within your team/business
- Aim for excellence in everything that you work on
- Focus more on the work that matters
- Keep your promises to your manager and colleagues
- Keep up with the advancement of your field
- Always share your knowledge and demonstrate your worth
- Develop good judgement (and don’t be afraid to stand up and deliver!)
- Anticipate your employers’ needs
Full article below.
Top ways to become indispensable at your company
Be ready to take the lead
Always be the first to put up your hand. Whether it’s volunteering for a (not-so-desirable) task or stepping up to take the lead on a project. Be known as an individual your employer can count on to do the right thing for the business.
By freely volunteering, you demonstrate your willingness to be a team player. Be someone ready to go the extra mile and open yourself to opportunities. A team player is an asset to a company, as is someone happy to put their hand up for tasks big and small.
Stay in the loop and on the ball
Watch and understand your company’s trends and growth. Look for opportunities where you can add value (and do so authentically). Remember that it’s not about being the office peacock. It’s about genuinely seeking ways to innovate and enhance operations.
By keeping your pulse on industry news, trends and competitors, you’ll inadvertently be able to leverage lessons learned and contribute more meaningfully to the business.
Put yourself in an educated position to assist with company growth and development. Be open to suggestions and communicate regularly with management about ideas that could benefit the whole team.
Be a problem-solving ninja!
Regularly offer solutions to problems within the business that you see arise. Is there a tried and tested strategy you know that could fix the latest team conundrum? Speak up and encourage others to do the same!
No one wants to feel like they’re in the wrong, so be strategic in how you share your solutions (if you’re at risk of stepping on toes). Work WITH your colleagues and managers. Avoid coming across as a one-man band by putting your energy into creating a collaborative and rewarding workspace.
By offering solutions, you’re sharing your enthusiasm for the business’s continued success while being integral to the company’s inner workings.
Commitment to the business is something employers love to see.
Keep your work standards high
Aim for excellence in every task. Don’t strive for perfection (that doesn’t exist) but keep focused on doing your best at everything you tackle.
You’re not going to be amazing at everything you do. You’re not always going to be the best or the most knowledgeable (it’s unrealistic to think otherwise). But by setting (and keeping) your work standards high, you will demonstrate again and again your commitment, passion and reliability.
Don’t know how to do something? Be excellent at asking questions, engaging and upskilling instead! Be excellent at admitting your mistakes when they arise, and be known for learning from them. Doing so will turn obstacles into opportunities at every turn.
Employees with this trait can be relied on to do the work well and will often be considered a primary in any team.
Just remember – high standards don’t need to mean high stress! It’s about being willing to put the time and effort in to do your best consistently.
Prioritise (like a boss)
Implement systems to increase productivity and focus more on the work that matters. The ability to prioritise, delegate and complete work accordingly is an underrated yet HIGHLY desired trait.
Employees who possess the skills needed to prioritise are dependable. Showing themselves as someone the team can count on to reliably complete tasks on time and without drama.
When employees can’t manage their own time and workloads efficiently, they indirectly drain resources from the company. Whether in time or money – chasing deadlines, paying others to accommodate, or amending mistakes.
When you think of the resources you can save a business just by being efficient in time and task management – it’s easy to see how this skill could place you in a good position within a company.
Make your word count
It’s simple. Keep your promises and any commitments you make. Whether it’s to your manager or colleagues, make your word something they can rely on.
If you can’t follow through for some reason, be sure to communicate this. The saying “you’re only as good as your word” is particularly true in all things business! Make your word count and your offers genuine.
Never stop learning!
To be considered invaluable in your role, it’s vital to remain current and across the latest trends and advancements. Stay up to date and continue to learn and upskill where you can.
Industries and operations are constantly changing and evolving. Stay on the front foot by subscribing to related news boards, following industry innovators, analysing competitors and dedicating time to further education.
Sharing is caring
Share your knowledge and growth with your team and company wherever possible. There is no greater asset to a business than a true team player, especially one who is ready to help others succeed alongside!
Be a mentor or volunteer to train new candidates that come through. Offer your knowledge freely and embrace a collaborative spirit. The return on investment will follow.
It’s OKAY to say it’s NOT OKAY
Develop a good sense of judgement, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in (especially when it comes to the benefit of the company).
Good judgement can be subjective but acting from experience-backed instinct, an authentic approach, and raw data is your ideal place of operation. Make sound calls based on facts, not emotions, and stand up for what is in the best interests of the business, its customers, and its employees.
As long as it’s from a good place, well thought-out and expressed professionally – employers value employees with good judgment and the ability to voice it. Be a reliable source and a valued employee by setting the standard and rising to stand by them.
Anticipate but don’t assume
Assist your employer by anticipating their needs and acting accordingly. Indispensible employers can work independently and within a team without the need for constant guidance. Do the things that need doing without being asked. Take initiative and strive to be on the front foot. But avoid treading on toes by getting ahead of yourself or your role. Separate anticipation from assumption.
This article has been quite a deep dive. So, if you’ve made it to the end, we congratulate you! Investing your time reading articles like this is the kind of additional learning a valued employee would do – so pat yourselves on the back!
You’re well on your way (we’re sure!). But if you’re not feeling it or have some questions – we’re here to assist. Be seen and feel indispensable! Contact us today to see how we can help you find the role of your dreams.
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