The Art of Being Indispensable at Work: Win Influence, Beat Overcommitment, and Get the Right Things Done

by Bruce Tulgan

Overview

What's the secret to being indispensable—a true go-to person—in today's workplace?

With new technology, constant change and uncertainty, and far-flung virtual teams, getting things done at work is tougher and more complex than ever. We’re in the midst of a collaboration revolution, working with everyone, all the time, across silos and platforms. But sometimes it feels like we're stuck in a no-win cycle—dealing with an overwhelming influx of asks, with unclear lines of communication and authority. Overcommitment syndrome looms larger than ever before.

But even amid the seeming chaos, there's always that indispensable go-to person who thrives on their many working relationships with people all over the organization chart. How do they do it? Go-to people consistently make themselves valuable to others, maintain a positive attitude of service, are creative and tenacious, and take personal responsibility for getting the right things done.

In this game-changing yet practical book, talent guru and bestselling author Bruce Tulgan reveals the secrets of the go-to person in our new world of work. Based on an intensive study of people at all levels, in all kinds of organizations, Tulgan shows how go-to people think and behave differently, building up their influence with others—not by trying to do everything for everybody but by doing the right things at the right times for the right reasons, regardless of whether they have the formal authority.

This book will teach you to:

• Understand the peculiar mathematics of real influence
• Lead from wherever you are—up, down, sideways, and diagonal
• Know when to say "no" or "not yet," and how to say "yes"
• Keep getting better and better at working together

And much more. The Art of Being Indispensable at Work is the new How to Win Friends and Influence People for an era in which the guardrails of traditional management have been pulled away.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781633698499
Publisher:	Harvard Business Review Press
Publication date:	07/21/2020
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	473,299
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Bruce Tulgan is a bestselling author, an adviser to business leaders all over the world, and a sought-after keynote speaker and seminar leader. He has worked with thousands of leaders and managers in hundreds of organizations, from Aetna to Walmart, the US Army to the YMCA. He lectures at the Yale School of Management and is the author of several books, including the bestselling It's Okay to Be the Boss and Not Everyone Gets a Trophy. He is the founder and Chairman of RainmakerThinking Inc.

You can find more about Bruce Tulgan at:
linkedin.com/in/brucetulganrmt/
twitter.com/BruceTulgan rainmakerthinking.com/

Table of Contents

Author's Note ix

1 Fight Overcommitment Syndrome 1

2 The Peculiar Mathematics of Real Influence 27

3 Lead from Wherever You Are Up, Down, Sideways… and Diagonal 47

4 When to Say No and How to Say Yes 79

5 Work Smart 111

6 Finish What You Start 141

7 Keep Getting Better and Better at Working Together 167

8 Go-to-ism The Art of Being Indispensable at Work 193

Index 219

Acknowledgments 227

About the Author 233

Editorial Reviews

Silver Medal Winner for Best Career Book in the 2021 Axiom Business Book Awards

"Tulgan's book is timely, relevant, and appealing" — Financial Times

Advance Praise for The Art of Being Indispensable at Work:

"Bruce Tulgan analyzes, provides vignettes, and summarizes for us the essence of how to be that indispensable go-to person. Do you want to be a better leader, a better performer, perhaps number one in your peer group? Read this book." — Greg Lengyel, Major General, US Air Force, Retired; former Deputy Commanding General, US Joint Special Operations Command; and Vice President, Sandoval Custom Creations, Inc.

"This could be the most practical and immediately usable book I've ever read. Tulgan has found a way to boil down the most complicated and delicate balance inherent in saying yes and no, making commitments, and managing expectations." — Eric Hutcherson, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, National Basketball Association

"For anybody at any level in any organization who wants to be that indispensable go-to person, read this book. Tulgan's research-based approach will show you how to lead from wherever you are—up, down, sideways, or diagonal." — Ray Blanchette, President and CEO, TGI Fridays

"Bruce Tulgan does it again. By zeroing in on the behaviors that make the most successful people tick, he highlights the key attributes that are critical to survive and thrive, despite the challenges." — Susan Unvarsky, Vice President, US Customer Service, Prudential Financial

"The Art of Being Indispensable at Work is a must-read. Bruce Tulgan reminds us that seemingly small actions can make such a huge difference! Great concepts in a practical and pragmatic approach to becoming that 'go-to' person at work." — Vanessa Boulous, Chief Operations Officer, YMCA Retirement Fund

"A must-read how-to guide for understanding the positive power of attitude, influence, teaming, collaboration, building professional relationships, and being a leader in developing a culture of excellence." — Kevin Jacobsen, Brigadier General, US Air Force, Retired; former 16th Commander (Special Agent), Air Force Office of Special Investigations; and Managing Director, Ernst & Young

"Tulgan provides step-by-step instruction on building the relationships that drive success, as well as the answers to questions you didn't know to ask. With this guide, anyone can start building an upward spiral of real influence." — Kymberlee Dwinell, Director, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Northrop Grumman Corporation

From the Publisher