Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

re: Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

Dave — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:46:35 GMT

Shhh... don't tell them the secret. You want everyone to have nice jobs like us?

Seriously, even though you've told the secret. The chance that even 20% of the people who read this will act on it is very slim indeed.

Great post.

re: Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

David Hayes — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:24:34 GMT

I think Chris is wrong, I've spent my whole life ensuring I'm totally dispensable. Indispensable people rarely get promoted, after all you're indispensable in your current role. I firmly believe that the first thing you should do when starting a new role is to pick your replacement and start training them otherwise you're stuck where you are forever. In my experience indispensable people tend to achieve this status not by talent or hard work but by being obstructive and secretive.

I do however agree that constant learning is essential in today's job market.

re: Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

HeatherLeigh — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:50:23 GMT

DAve - some days I feel more dispensable than others :)

David Hayes - good feedback. I'll get Chris back over here to engage in the conversation. My input is that the culture of the company is a factor, for sure. If they value well-rounded people that can bring new thinking to areas where they have not worked before, I could see Chris' advice really working for them. But I see your point too.

re: Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

Chris Russell — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:35:30 GMT

David it sounds like the companies you worked in weren't exactly the ideal environment for career advancement.

I wasnt crazy about Gartner at times, every year they did a re-org and the same 'ol boys stayed in power but it was a big enough place where I could move around and get my feet wet in many areas. (I was in my late twenties so I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do)

I guess my point is that careers are what you make of them. And be sure to seek out companies you think you will fit into. I'd rather work in a lesser role for place that values me and gives opportunity to learn that a high paying gig with no reward.

Remember, always be learning.

re: Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

Rick Pennington — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:34:55 GMT

Thats great advice. In my current field (for one more day) of social work, I mademyself indespensible by coming in and assisting in increasing the efficiency of the organization (creating electronic filing systems, streamlining processes, etc.). Now, as I move into the tech field (I am 28, so am in a similkar situation), I am looking for ways to make myself indespensibile around people who are probably much smarter than I am.

re: Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

HeatherLeigh — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 01:53:43 GMT

Wow, Rick, that is quite a change but it sounds like you just illustrated Chris' point!

re: Guest Post from Chris Russell: Are You Untouchable at Work?

Rav Kumar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:46:01 GMT

Its true that knowledge is power.

I have come across many people in the IT world who know that if they leak too much information then they are at risk of losing a comfortable job.

People play games by taking on other peoples tasks or challenging the inefficiencies etc.

I agree in many ways about being adaptable and an opportunist at the same time. Some use bullying techniques, which I do not approve of, and some twist managements mind into thinking they carried out all the tasks themselves. Its not just about knowing everything.

At the end of the day its survival of the fittest, dog eats dog world. Even the most promising person can be bullied into submission.

So when you ask the question are you an untouchable at work, well it depends on what you know and who you know....