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Twelve Essential Laws for Becoming Indispensable, by Tony Zeiss, is an excellent choice for new employees.
Becoming Indispensable in the literal sense is unlikely: few people have such unique knowledge or gifts that enable them to do work that no one else can.
There are 12 principles, however, that when incorporated into our work and living habits, can set us apart. Developing these habits will increase both our job security and our opportunities for advancement.
Each of these 12 principles is summarized with:
- Advice from the Pros (relevant quotes from business leaders)
- Practical advice
- A Conclusion, and Points to Ponder
- From This Day Forward (a chance to make a commitment)
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| Law 1 |
The Double A`s:
Altitude in Attitude, Anxiety As An Ally
Altitude in Attitude simply states the fact that attitudes are contagious. Being unconscious of the attitudes you portray and pick up is a sure fire way to becoming replaceable. Being impervious to bad attitudes you may encounter, and being committed to portraying a great attitude regardless of your circumstances is a giant step forward in becoming indispensable.
Problems are a fact of life. Anxiety over those problems is not. We can be paralyzed by problems, sinking into a blame game, or problems can motivate us to harder than ever before. |
| Law 2 |
The Capital C:
Communicate Well Or Be Forever Misunderstood
Communicating effectively is an essential law for becoming indispensable. It begins with planning and ends with making a great impression on paper, electrically, and during day to day communication with others. |
| Law 3 |
Think 110 Percent:
Work Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Well
To become indispensable, you must emphasize your commitment to the company and underscore your strong work habits. Employers will continue to promote employees who will produce more for the company than their wages and benefits cost. Being honest, being a team player, getting to work on time, staying until the jobs done, and being loyal to the company are all critical traits indispensable employees demonstrate to their employers. |
| Law 4 |
Forget The Lone Ranger:
Be A Team Player
Employers and their human resource personnel know full well that an employees ability to get along with others at the workplace is a critical skill. During times of downsizing or promoting, these decision makers will consider your ability to work well with others. The more you convince them that you are a team player, the better your chances of being retained or promoted. |
| Law 5 |
PS Is Critical:
Be A Problem Solver
Employers are looking for people who will take the responsibility to solve problems. They are eager to employ people who will take the initiative to improve on processes, services, or production to help the company increase profits and reach its vision. |
| Law 6 |
Service Leads To Satisfaction:
Be Customer Focused
Employers are looking for people who genuinely care about serving others, both paying customers and fellow workers. Employers seek employees who understand that customer service is a virtue that needs to be practiced every moment at work. |
| Law 7 |
Results, Not Process:
Be Results Oriented
Employers keep and promote employees who understand the importance of being results oriented, people who have a natural desire to be productive and focus on the of the needs of the customer. A distinct asset of a professional is a solid reputation for getting things done. |
| Law 8 |
You Have To Have A Plan:
Getting It Together Law
Employers are looking for self-motivated employees who know what they want and are well organized. Successful people embody these characteristics to reach their career goals. Envisioning a long-term career and staying focused on immediate job tasks are the first steps toward achieving the getting it together law. Learning to plan and network effectively are two additional important steps toward becoming successful in your career. |
| Law 9 |
Put Your Best Foot Forward:
Early Impressions Are Hard To Eradicate
The ability to make a great impression before, during, and after interviews will be a major factor in getting a job. The first sixty seconds of interviews are critical. Be mentally, spiritually, physically and socially prepared. Anticipating interview questions and having honest, believable answers will carry you to success. |
| Law 10 |
Learners:
A Priceless Commodity
Applying the active learner law is essential for keeping a job and advancing in todays changing work place. Successful professionals are willing and eager to correct skill deficiencies in the academic, technical and behavioral dimensions. Your ability to communicate to supervisors that you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and that you constantly work toward improvement is critical. |
| Law 11 |
How To Gain SATS:
Specific Academic and Technical Skills
Knowing the specific academic and technical skills needed for your ideal position is essential. Identify job-relevant academic and technical skill through an assessment of your formal, informal, workplace, and hobbies-volunteer services training and experiences. Honestly confronting your academic and technical limitations is necessary if you hope to take full advantage of the SATS law. |
| Law 12 |
Been There, Done That:
Emphasize Your Prior Experience
Getting a promotion involves assessing all your assets, including what you know, believe, and can do. The experience law relates to all three of these basic dimensions. The closer you can relate your work and work-related experiences to the needs of your employer, the more likely you will become a respected and valued employee. Demonstrating a positive attitude along with your experiences is essential. |
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