The Secret to Becoming Indispensible

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The Secret to Becoming Indispensable

• Maureen O Connell
• Executive VP, CFO and CAO
• Scholastic Corporation
• Nov 04th, 2015
• Note The views expressed here are my own.

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• Have you ever been passed over for a position you
  really wanted?
• Have you been overlooked when it came to a
  project you desperately wanted to be involved in?
• Wouldnt you like to become the one who the
  powers-that-be of your company simply cannot do
  without?

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How to do it?

• The simplest way to become indispensable is by
  increasing your strengths.
• Today this term has different connotations its
  not about just doing what you already know
  better, but also about cross-training.
• For instance, an experienced marathon runner may
  not significantly increase his running speed by
  doing mundane stretching exercises or running
  over long distances. Rather, what could help him
  achieve this goal, is swimming or bicycling.

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What to do?

• Dabble in complementary skills to make yourself
  more well-rounded.
• Learn more about relative fields and fields
  interdependent with yours. Gain more knowledge
  about them. Having in-depth knowledge of only
  your field is not enough.
• If you are result-oriented, then consider
  building relationships. If you think your
  integrity is being taken for granted, consider
  developing assertiveness, it is a great mode of
  communication. The result will be dramatic.

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The BIG Question

• This question might probably be in your head 
• How to increase your strengths?
• Let us look at it step-by-step.

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1) Know Your Strengths

• This process starts with identifying what your
  current strengths are.
• Take some time to introspect and make a list of
  your strengths as succinctly as possible,
  preferably in simple bullets should help to
  start.
• You could request your immediate bosses and
  subordinates for specific feedback. Use a
  qualitative and quantitative questionnaire the
  former enables them to point out your strengths
  and weaknesses, while the latter lets them rank
  these on a scale.

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Dont try to be a fix-it-all

• The secret to being indispensable is not being a
  jack of all trades but master of a few crucial
  ones those that overshadow any weaknesses you
  may have.
• A single outstanding strength could make you an
  obvious choice when compared to competitors who
  are good at a variety of tasks but exceptional at
  none. They are replaceable you wont be!

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2) Choose Your Focus

• Once you have decided that you will master a
  couple of strengths, the question arises as to
  which 2 should you choose amongst say, 10 great
  ones?
• The answer lies hidden in your responses to these
  2 questions
• Which do you feel most passionate about?
• Which is important to your business?

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• Both questions are equally important.
• If your selected focus doesnt contribute to the
  growth of your business, it becomes a pursuit of
  leisure and is of no use to you professionally.
• If it is of immense use to the company but
  doesnt spark any interest in you, it will turn
  into a frustrating and energy-depleting chore.
• One way to arrive at a convergence is by listing
  your top 5 desired competencies and your
  organizations top 5 priorities. The 1 or 2 that
  match should become your focus.

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3) Develop Your Complementary Skill

• Once you have a complementary skill to focus on,
  make an action plan to develop it. 
• For instance, if you want to develop technical
  proficiency in IT, you must consider undergoing
  formal training, meet technical experts and read
  manuals and publications related to the product.

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Conclusion

• Improvement can be seen if it is done right
  within the first two months.
• Ensure that you are progressing a little more
  every month.
• Your newly gained skills will eventually shine
  through of their own accord and enhance your
  existing strengths and you will be well on your
  way to becoming indispensable!

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Maureen O'Connell

• Maureen OConnell is Executive VP, CFO and CAO
  for Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ SCHL).
  Finance and Accounting are her forte.
• She also excels at Administrative Function such
  as Strategic Planning Business Development,
  Global Operations IT and Human Resources.