1. Develop deep expertise in a task critical for the organisation
The first step to becoming indispensable is also the most obvious. Develop deep expertise in a function or a role. Whether it is fluency in a foreign language that allows you to interact with an overseas client, or knowledge of a computer software used by your company, having a USP can make you indispensable.Of course, this does not mean you monopolise that skill and put up hurdles for others who want to learn that task. But you become so good at it that no one else is entrusted with that function. Monopolising skills may help in the short term but it is not a long-term solution, cautions Shiv Agrawal, Managing Director of HR firm ABC Consultants.
The good news is that upskilling has become easier now with the launch of massive open online courses (MOOCs). These online courses are cheap (some are even free) and one can study after work. Taking up a fulltime course may not be feasible for many but these online courses can help you acquire new skills without taking a break from work. The pace of these courses can be customised to suit an individual’s timings.
