Becoming Irreplaceable at Work

Whether in a period of economic uncertainty or not, there are certain kinds of people who are never short on opportunities. Whether getting promotions or attracting new business for their own enterprise, these souls seem to be impervious to setbacks (at least, in the long term).

These cherished souls, we might say, are irreplaceable. There are irreplaceable employees, employers, small business owners, vendors, suppliers, colleagues, and even customers.

Seven Qualities of Irreplaceable People

What are the qualities that make individuals so desirable that a company or client can’t do without them? What makes someone irreplaceable?

Irreplaceable people:

1. Constantly acquire knowledge and refine their skills. They are committed to personal and professional growth; they understand that there is always more to learn and that every field is subject to constant change.
2. Focus on creating value for their company or their clients. They thrive on finding new or better ways to contribute to those they serve.
3. Find ways to solve problems. You’ll never hear an irreplaceable person say, “It can’t be done.” Instead they’ll say something like, “Let me think on that and get back to you.”
4. Have high integrity and the attitude of willingness to serve. You’ll never see an irreplaceable person acting entitled or playing the role of a victim.
5. Innovate. They constantly look for new ways of doing things. Steve Jobs developed a culture of innovation at Apple by insisting on daily innovation.
6. Take responsibility for what happens—no matter whether they feel they are responsible or not. And therein lies their power and ability to foster growth.
7. Adapt to change. As change is a constant in business as in life, irreplaceable people have a natural ability or willingness to bend like a willow instead of breaking like an oak.

Those who adopt this overall attitude never have to worry about their employment—at least, not for long. True creators attract opportunities because they are such valuable assets and tend to be in short supply.

But there’s an even better reason to adopt these seven qualities: They bring greater levels of fulfillment and meaning to your work. And that’s reason enough.

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