Book Review: “The Art of Being Indispensable at Work” by Bruce Tulgan
As someone who has often questioned my own value in the life, I was drawn to “The Art of Being Indispensable at Work” by Bruce Tulgan. This book offers valuable insights into what sets go-to people apart and how they consistently make themselves valuable to others.
Tulgan’s exploration of go-to people opened my eyes to the fact that they come in all shapes and sizes, working at every level and in various industries. While I initially believed that technical expertise was the primary factor in becoming indispensable, I soon discovered that there’s much more to it. Go-to people possess a unique mindset and set of strategies that enable them to win influence, manage overcommitment, and prioritize tasks effectively.
What resonated with me the most was Tulgan’s emphasis on the peculiar mathematics of real influence. It’s not about self-promotion or seeking personal gain; it’s about genuinely serving others and adding value in every interaction. By embracing this mindset and focusing on the long-term impact of our actions, we can become richer in real influence.
Another aspect that struck a chord with me was the importance of vertical alignment. Tulgan stresses the need to communicate effectively up and down the chain of command before working with colleagues at our own level. This ensures that we are aligned with organizational priorities, ground rules, and expectations, leading to smoother collaboration and better outcomes.
The book also provides practical advice on saying “no” and “not yet” when necessary, while strategically saying “yes” to opportunities that align with our strengths and add value. Tulgan’s approach to working smart by professionalizing our skills and steadily expanding our repertoire resonated with me. It reinforced the idea that specialization and continuous improvement are key to becoming known for our expertise.
I appreciated Tulgan’s insights on finishing what we start. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list, but focusing on one task at a time and dedicating focused execution time allows us to complete projects successfully. By juggling fewer responsibilities and executing effectively, we can deliver quality results.
Tulgan’s emphasis on building strong working relationships through the work itself rather than personal rapport resonated deeply with me. Celebrating success, conducting after-action reviews, and planning future collaborations together create a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.
The final chapter, which focuses on promoting go-to-ism throughout the organization, left a lasting impression. Tulgan encourages readers to become go-to people, identify and develop go-to people in their teams, and foster a culture of influence and support. It’s a powerful concept that demonstrates the interconnectedness of success and the positive impact we can have on our work environment.
“The Art of Being Indispensable at Work” is a practical and insightful guide that has helped me reframe my perspective on my own value and contribution. Tulgan’s writing style is engaging, and his anecdotes and real-world examples make the concepts relatable and actionable.
If you’re looking to overcome self-doubt, win influence, beat overcommitment, and get the right things done, I highly recommend delving into this book. It provides a roadmap to becoming indispensable in the workplace and unlocking your full potential.
