Have you asked yourself this question lately? ”Am I needed?” If you haven’t, then you should. The single best thing to be is needed. No matter what job you have, if you are needed there is a better chance of you keeping it.
Technology is needed and always will be. The day that we no longer need the internet is the day that I am tying down my horse and buggy to a post outside my cabin like Laura Ingalls in Little House on the Prairie. So, if technology will always be necessary, then the need for IT professionals will always be there. Even with this undeniable reality, there are many IT professionals concerned about their jobs. I believe it is because many have forgotten how to make sure they remain needed, to control their own destiny. How can you make yourself indispensable? Here are a few, easy ways to get there.
- Learn something important. Is there a really essential skill that is make or break for your company? If so, buy a book about it, learn it, and master it.
- Work harder. If your manager starts walking around wondering who he should cut, you would rather be the crazy busy one, than the one on Facebook because you have nothing to do.
- Be better at what you do. Find the smartest and most productive person on your team and make being better than that your goal. When push comes to shove, the person who is most needed is the person who stays. If Phil Jackson could only keep either Jordan or Pippen, he was keeping Jordan. Pippen was great, but Jordan was better.
- Be pleasant. It’s simple. A positive attitude goes a long way. There is a reason this question is included on reference check forms. Think about it. Only in Office Space does being rude get you a promotion!
Your goal is to be needed, to be invaluable, and to be necessary. These are trying times, but you do have control. Take the steps to control your own fate. Make yourself essential.
image by Eddi 07
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Joanne Henderson
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I am an IT professional seeking employment in the Indianapolis market. I have over 30 years of excellent experience. If you have an opportunity to call me, I would appreciate it. My direct number is (952) 456-1554. I hope to hear from you soon!
John
Comment by John Kelliher — January 6, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
I live in Miami, FL (Dade County/Broward) I’m looking for a position in IT. I recently graduated and I need to find a job asap. I currently work in a law firm and I need to make my career move.
If you know of anyone or and recruiters please let me know.
Thank you so much,
Jennifer Quesada
Comment by Jennifer Quesada — January 6, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
my email address: j.quesada@yahoo.com
Thanks
Comment by Jennifer Quesada — January 6, 2009 @ 2:43 pm