We can debate economics and how it translates to job security, but there is no doubt organizations continue to focus on cutting labors costs.  Why?  Labor costs comprise 80 percent or more of an organization’s operating costs.  This business strategy then creates another problem among the workforce - protecting our job.

How then can we remain indispensable at work?  By bringing attention to the value of what we do.  How do we do that?  By focusing on where the organization is going rather than on the procedural or day-to-day maintenance issues of your position. 

Begin thinking of how you contribute to the success of the organization.  Do you know what the top business issues are within your organization?

See Their Point of View

Enhance your role as a team player by demonstrating a sincere interest in your company and looking at issues from the employer’s viewpoint.  If it is the cost of labor that is forcing companies to cut back within your department, get together with your boss and figure out ways to merge systems, cut costs, negotiate spending, or merge tasks between departments.  Often in companies where there are several departments duplicating efforts, redundancies can be eliminated. 

Talk In Sound Bites

Concentrate on improving communication with your employer.  Think about how your listener will receive the message.  Put yourself in the listener’s shoes and how they might react.  Learn to talk in sound bites - quick and fast.  Bosses want the summary, not all the details.

Find A Mentor

To be the most indispensible employee you can be, get a coach.  Surround yourself with mentors and coaches from inside and outside your industry.  How do you get a coach?  Look around your informal and formal networks and figure out who you would like to emulate.  Whose skills and career path do you admire?  Then just ask if they will mentor you.  Most of the time, people are flattered that they have been asked.  It does not take much time - perhaps just a 45-minute phone call once every three months.  You tell them what is going on and they give you simple advice to get back on track.

Recruit A Cheering Squad

It is important to leverage the power of your networks.  The first step is to understand the difference between formal networks (professional organizations that you pay dues to, with regulations, meetings and guidelines) and informal networks (people you meet in the lobby of a hotel or on an airplane or through hobbies).  Social networks are a hybrid of the two.  Communicate with them about situations at work and share with them your talents.  Send out regular alerts through your grapevine and share your success stories.  Start a buzz and you will be surprised at the information you will receive in return.

Safeguard Your Reputation

Always protect your name - see what others are saying about you. The key to leadership is listening to criticism and self-correcting. When a mentor gives you criticism about something you are perhaps not thinking about, it takes courage to change.  You must earn credibility, not expect it and be prepared to spend years to achieve that goal.  It takes years to build a name, reputation, and networks – and takes minutes to lose it all.  Being approachable is important, as is helping others along the way.

Michele Wierzgac is an inspiring speaker helping people and teams build their business skills in the areas of leadership, self-branding, and marketing.  Her messages are compelling and forward thinking.  Visit www.micheleandco.com and contact Michele at (708) 710-7055 or michele@micheleandco.com

Copyright 2012 Michele & Company, Oak Lawn, Illinois U.S.A.  All rights reserved under both international and Pan American copyright conventions. No reproduction of any part of this material may be made without the prior written consent of the copyright holder.

To schedule Michele for your next conference or meeting, call (708) 710-7055 or email at mail@micheleandco.com