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

by Bruce Tulgan

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

*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.

Genres: Business, Self Help, Professional Development, Leadership, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Personal Development

Audio CD

First published July 21, 2021

About the author

Bruce Tulgan is internationally recognized as the leading expert on young people in the workplace and one of the leading experts on leadership and management. Bruce is a best-selling author, an adviser to business leaders all over the world, and a sought-after keynote speaker and management trainer.

Since 1995, Bruce has worked with tens of thousands of leaders and managers in hundreds of organizations ranging from Aetna to Wal-Mart; from the Army to the YMCA. In recent years, Bruce was named by Management Today as one of the few contemporary figures to stand out as a “management guru” and he was named to the 2009 Thinkers 50 Rising Star.

On August 13, 2009, Bruce was honored to accept Toastmasters International’s most prestigious honor, the Golden Gavel. This honor is annually presented to a single person who represents excellence in the fields of communication and leadership. Past winners have included Stephen Covey, Zig Ziglar, Deepak Chopra, Tony Robbins, Ken Blanchard, Tom Peters, Art Linkletter, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and Walter Cronkite.

Bruce’s newest book is IT’S OKAY TO MANAGE YOUR BOSS (Jossey-Bass, September 14, 2010). He is also the author of the recent best-seller IT’S OKAY TO BE THE BOSS (HarperCollins, 2007) and the classic MANAGING GENERATION X (W.W. Norton, 2000; first published in 1995). Bruce’s other books include WINNING THE TALENT WARS (W.W. Norton, 2001), which received widespread acclaim from Fortune 500 CEOs and business journalists; the best-seller FAST FEEDBACK (HRD Press, 1998); NOT EVERYONE GETS A TROPHY: HOW TO MANAGE GENERATION Y (Jossey-Bass, 2009); and MANAGING THE GENERATION MIX (HRD Press, 2006). Many of Bruce’s works have been published around the world in foreign editions.

Bruce’s writing appears regularly in human resources, staffing and management journals, including a new regular column in TRAINING magazine called ‘Sticky Notes’ and a regular column in the New York Enterprise Report. His writing has also appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers such as the Harvard Business Review, BusinessWeek, HR Magazine, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and USA Today. As well, his work has been the subject of thousands of news stories around the world.

Before founding RainmakerThinking in 1993, Bruce practiced law at the Wall Street firm of Carter, Ledyard & Milburn. He graduated with high honors from Amherst College, received his law degree from the New York University School of Law, and is still a member of the Bar in Massachusetts and New York. Bruce continues his lifelong study of Okinawan Uechi Ryu Karate Do and holds a fifth degree black belt. He lives in New Haven, Connecticut with his wife Debby Applegate, Ph.D., who won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Biography for her book THE MOST FAMOUS MAN IN AMERICA: THE BIOGRAPHY OF HENRY WARD BEECHER (Doubleday, 2006).

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via net galley and the publishers.

This is a great and insightful book to help you become indispensable at work. This book encourages you to try changing some aspects of how you work and to finish tasks you already have that are important and not take on others until you are done so you don't become muddled and bogged down. This book also teaches you in addition to that to stop being a "yes" person in the workplace.
There's some great advise in this book and I would encourage anyone working, especially in an office environment, to give it a read.

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I think it would be worth mentioning that this book only covers the 'art of being indispensable at work' by being the most productive one, so you would have enough time to (1) deliver outcomes, (2) in the fastest time possible, and (3) still have enough time to help everyone else around you (hence, becoming a go-to person). I personally appreciate this strategy (and it's one that I have employed myself to be successful), but I'd like to acknowledge that there could be other strategies to make someone deemed as 'indispensable' which fall outside the scope of the book.

The first thing that hit me immediately when I started reading this book was that it used 'dated' terms like 'silos'. I hadn't heard nor used that word for something like 7+ years, perhaps due to the fact that I'd been working in IT, where new/trendy concepts were frequently embraced and adopted almost on an annual basis. Because of that, unfortunately I didn't really connect with the first few chapters that talked about 'working across the silos' as a 'new' concept. I had been been working in a collaborative environment for the past five years, and so I didn't learn anything new from those chapters.

Furthermore, I could see that the first chapter might be confusing to some readers, as it originally brought up all the negative aspects of being a go-to person (overcommitment, etc), only to build up to the conclusion that in order to be indispensable at work, you'd have to be a go-to person. Having said that, I did understand that the point was to be a genuine go-to person in a sustainable manner (missing keywords: genuine and sustainable).

Once I realised the book was predominantly about increasing productivity, I started enjoying it. At the end of it, I did get a few good nuggets (and quotes I managed to share on bookstagram), and I think this would be an awesome book especially for people at the beginning of their career journey. Imagine the time savings they'd benefit from if they start practicing the productivity ideas early on.

Last but not least, I really liked the attitude (the shade!) in this snippet from the Author at the start of the book (you go tell them!):

Now, I realize there are still some people in the workplace who are not really into their work or trying hard to make their mark in their current position. They would prefer to be left alone to phone it in and collect a paycheck with as little effort as possible. If that’s you, let me be very clear: this book is not for you. My advice is to quit your job and go work for another organization, preferably one that is not my client.

I wholeheartedly agreed.

See my bookstagram review.

[The Views of Heather U · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely must have addition to your library. I am currently on a Leadership journey, for the past year at least. I’ve been investing much of my time improving my skills in the area, and this book was a fantastic tool for my tool box! LOVED it and so happy to have it in my library. I will say, this book is not just for those in my position but for everyone! There is a take away for each of us, and aspects which can be applied to your personnel life, family in addition to work. Many books out there these days, some knocking it out of the park, some filled with fillers. This one is an “out of the park” read in my humble!

For example change your attitude. Modify your mindset. If you are a “Yes” person, well you need to revisit this. There is only so much time on that clock per day and if you are a yes person, are you able to commit and get that which you have committed yourself to, over the finish line? Don’t say yes to everything.

Start somewhere. Start your journey here! If you are already on your path, well here is another tool for the toolbox! Get after it folks! You are worth the investment. Pick up a copy for the recently graduated in your life too! Help them build their toolbox!

[Muhammad Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The timing of this book couldn't have been more perfect. Bruce Tulgan has done it again, presented a compelling, objective, rational and actionable plan of execution for what appeared rather a subjective topic.

So what does it take to be indispensable, well it starts by resisting your urge to say Yes to everyone, know when to say Yes and No with purpose. Be a Go To guy whom people can trust to get things done and have an internal locus of control, or in other words don't be a people pleaser.

What I liked particularly about this book was it very easy to read and comprehend unlike some of the other books. Naturally, this one is a keeper. Do read it, recommend it and more importantly document and share your learning and key takeaways with others..

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Everybody at work is your ‘customer’ now. And you are theirs. Up, down, sideways, and diagonal. That’s because collaboration is the latest revolution sweeping across the workplace.” That’s why every employee needs to know The Art of Being Indispensable at Work.

So how do you become indispensable? Stop being a “Yes” person. There is only so much time in a day. The best advice is finish what you start—on time and within budget. “Real influence is the holy grail of the true go-to person.” How? Always be professional, use rational persuasion, and help others succeed. But especially mind your attitude.

These and other ideas, all with the ring of truth, are described within The Art of Being Indispensable at Work. An excellent gift for new graduates but also for friends who are feeling stuck in their job with no chance at promotion. 4 stars!

Thanks to Harvard Business Review Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Duke Dahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full takeaways: https://bulletpointreading.com/2022/0...

[Tay · Rating 3 out of 5]

As far as self-help books go, this one doesn't add anything. It feels like the same context as several other books that I have read.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it an interesting and informative read, full of ideas and examples.
I liked the style of writing and how the book is organised.
It's a useful and excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Delicia Nugroho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm working in a university as a department chair of Music. That means I have to deal with a lot of people - sideways, vertically, direct reports- everyday. This is I'm going on my fourth term and I just wish I read this book from the beginning of my career!

Bruce Tulgan describes how to be a go-to person without sacrificing your values. He provides practical advice on how to build real influence, work smart, and tips on working with people from other divisions. His message rely on many experiences and cases from other successful companies.

The only thing I didn't like was that he used so many bullet points on some sections. I'm not a fan of bullet points (if I want to see points, I would go to a blog, not a book) because I think they need further explanations.

All in all, I would recommend everyone that is working in a corporate management and especially the ones who just started their career.

[Greg Hawod · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Bruce Tulgan provides the readers sound pieces of advice on how to become indispensable at work. While many of core concepts are familiar to most readers of self-help books, readers would still benefit with the way the book coalesced these ideas into coherent whole. This makes the arguments more solid and convincing.

Reduced to its fundamental point, this book argues that anyone can be indispensable at work by adopting a service attitude towards others. It stresses the importance of taking care of our relationships upward, downward, sideways, and diagonal.

In addition to the key concepts, I also like the straight-forward tone used throughout the book. It really feels like the author is just beside you while sharing his ideas in friendly conversational and sometimes serious manner.

This was a fun and educational read for me.

[Bob Selden · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good business philosophy in this book and plenty of real life stories to illustrate the key points. From my perspective what the book now needs, is the explicit “how to” guides that demonstrate how you and I can emulate these real life exemplars.

The introductory chapter covers the challenges of working in today’s organisational structures – silos are mentioned numerously. However, there is no description of the actual structures – hierarchical, matrix or combinations. From a manager’s and a non-managerial employee’s (perhaps someone aspiring to become a manager) viewpoint, it would have been an ideal opportunity, and informative, for the application of some of the points, to understand when a hierarchical structure works best, and when a matrix structure works best. This could be particularly important for how a potential “go to” person works across, up/down or diagonally within each type of structure. Whilst the influencing skills are the same, understanding the different nuances of various organisational structures, makes it easier to plan strategies and tactics.

I also thought the introduction was too repetitive – three or four pages would have equally well-made the author’s point instead of 27 – then straight into the real part of the book.
And to the real part of the book? It’s mostly been said before in many other books and yet is still a good reminder, particularly for those new to management roles. There were some good case study/examples and yet I was not able to quickly see the “how” these could be applied. Certainly the “Why” was evident and well described. For example, the chapter on “When to say No and How to say Yes´ follows a new product development process and there was a potentially good side-bar that shows the “How”, yet I was unclear as to which statements were examples of words to use to say “No”, or inner decision making thoughts or prompts. More clarity would make it easier for the reader to have an “Ah ha” moment and be able to apply it to his/her situation.

All in all, a reasonable primer for people new to management, perhaps not for the experienced. 3/5.

[Danijela Jerković · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thoughts and Notes on The Art of Being Indispensable at Work...

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.
~Alice Walker

Professional growth essentially refers to gaining new skills and work experience that can help you reach a goal in your career. And since we're going through an ever-changing job market, keeping yourself up-to-date with trends will give you a better chance to distinguish yourself among others for years to come.


The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.
~M. Scott Peck

Personal growth is a process of both understanding yourself and pushing yourself to reach your highest potential. It means always asking yourself who you are becoming and how you plan to get there.


IMAGINE|BELIEVE|ACHIEVE

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.
~Kurt Cobain

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone wants to be indispensable in their work place. Doing so can be difficult and possibly lead to burnout or being overwhelmed and overcommitted. The Art of Being Indispensable at Work, published by Harvard Business Review Press, provides the resources you need to become the go-to person in your workplace and teach others how to be indispensable as well. After reading this book, being indispensable won't feel like a lofty and out of reach goal.

Tulgan emphasizes that businesses today are using a collaborative model instead of an hierarchical model. This flatter organizational chart can provide opportunities for more cross-departmental projects and collaboration. But cross-departmental projects can lead to confusion as to who is in charge and who has authority over projects. With this collaborative work environment in mind, Tulgan emphasizes the importance of working both vertically with a boss or supervisor and individuals whom report to you as well as sideways and diagonally with individuals in other departments. In all of these relationships Tulgan encourages readers and provides a blue print to become a go-to person who gets things done fast, right, and on time.

From page one until the end of the book, Bruce Tulgan provides practical how-tos and examples everyone can understand and relate to--in fact you will recognize yourself or someone you work with in the examples. While published by a noted business publishing company, this book is not limited to people who work in an office setting or are business executives. This is demonstrated by the fact that Tulgan uses examples drawn from the medical field and manual labor including ditch digging in addition to traditional businesses. The Art of Being Indispensable at Work is highly recommended as a textbook or as a book to read with colleagues. While some might want to keep the secret to being indispensable to themselves, Tulgan encourages that a true indispensable person helps others to become indispensable as well. Buy this book for yourself and for everyone in your office and learn how to work better and smarter regardless of your position.

I received a complementary copy of The Art of Being Indispensable at Work from Harvard Business Review Press via NetGalley.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Art of Being Indispensable at Work" is a great primer on how to get ahead in your career. When you become a Go-To person, you’ll be the first to get promoted, and the last to get laid off.

Sure, being a Go-To guy or gal takes fortitude. Plus a great attitude and loads of hard work. But author Bruce Tulgan, the modern-day Dale Carnegie, shows us how it can be done.

For starters, it's about managing up, down and sideways -- even if you're not the boss.

I highly recommend this book. It’s a quick, easy read for all aspiring leaders and managers. In fact, "The Art of Being Indispensable at Work" is chock-full of examples of ways that employees are “killing it” at work. And it’s possible to thrive in any role, whether you work in a restaurant, a school, a non-profit, a small business or a major corporation.

Spoiler alert: To be indispensable, show up to serve others, not just yourself.

So go ahead and grab yourself a copy. It will be really beneficial to help you lead with influence, get more done, learn how to say no (and yes), and work smarter (not harder).


Special thanks to NetGalley, Bruce Tulgan and Harvard Business Review Press for the electronic copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Maureen Moriarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a seasoned Executive Coach (over 20 years) and I am a fan of any resource that offers practical tips and help for professionals trying to advance their careers and viewed by others as competent and committed. This book would be my #1 choice for that purpose. Bruce covers the majority of issues that I know hiring managers and leaders complain to me about when discussing their people. I am particularly in favor of his advice around alignment. Getting continual clarity about the bosses current priority for your role is a critical path factor for individual (and team) success.

This book is full of practical learn today (use today) advice. Adding value in every interaction and learning influence tactics are critical to anyone's path to leadership. Being a "good meeting" citizen is so important for team and leadership. Mastering the "yes" vs sloppy yeses will make any professionals life better!

Speaking of alignment, if it sounds like I am gushing, it's because I am delighted to find another peer who I am so squarely aligned with--I an 100% behind recommending this resource.

[Donn Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually found this book to be full of invaluable advice quote contrary to a number of reviewers here. I already follow a lot of the advice found here, and have found relative success, so perhaps it’s more validation of what I’ve done thus far and at the same time validation that what is espoused here probably works.

If you speed read this, skimming through and just getting to the highlights it may seem like the book just tells you things many other books may have already told you, but there’s a lot of nuance to what the author mentions.

Fully recommend to anyone who’s beginning or especially mid career.

[Josh Ashing · Rating 3 out of 5]

Serve others consistently, yet know when to logically answer no. Manage your time intentionally, don't let it manage you. Take notes often & share ideas often.

"Whatever you do, do it very well, very fast, all day long, with a great attitude." (pg. 199)

"Keep an open mind, suspend judgement, question your assumptions, and seek out the information you need. Then study, practice and contemplate in order to build your stored knowledge base & skill set.
The biggest mistake that keeps people from getting smarter is thinking that being smart is a fixed status, rather than a dynamic process." (pg. 135)

[Ppcfransen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have wanted to read this book three to five years ago. Actually, there’s a lot I know that would have been very useful to me knowing some three years ago. Alas, nothing to be done about that.

Rather, I’d like to know: how to become a go-to person when you’ve already rubbed a few people the wrong way? Is it actually possible to redeem yourself?

This book tells you in easy to relate to examples how to become that person that is a go-to person and pretty much indispensable at work. All through reading I asked myself: do I do this? Do I not do that?

A lot of the advice given in this book was more of a confirmation that I’m doing the right things. I work smart, but probably could still work smarter (create more job aids). I do give the occasional sloppy yes, but that’s because sometimes I am actually the only person who can do the job, so saying no is a moot point. But perhaps I can be more critical of the sloppy asks before I say yes, so they will be less sloppy by the time I give my inevitable yes.

Anyway, I’ve taken lots of notes and plan to put theory in to practice. And who knows, perhaps I can straighten out those wrongly rubbed.

I read an ARC through NetGalley

[Volkan Yorulmaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://myhighlightz.blogspot.com/202...

“Work things out at your level” effectively pushes as much communication, decision making, and cooperative action as far down the chain of command as possible. When it works well, everything runs more smoothly and swiftly: information exchange, planning, resource sharing, and execution. It also reduces unnecessary problems and waste.

[Adna · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When you bring your best to the table, no matter where you are or what you are doing, you bring out the best in others. And soon, you start to realize, that, in turn, helps them bring out the best in you. That’s the upward spiral. You find each other and form an elite group of go-to people in an otherwise ordinary context. I see that happen everywhere I go: circles or networks of go-to people who help each other and go out of their way to be mutually reliable."

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I really liked this book. I listened to the podcast episode titled “The Art of Saying No” from the Harvard Business Review IdeaCast featuring Tulgan and found it very engaging and relevant. (I recommended it to a bunch of people at work.) For those who are avid readers/audiobook consumers, I recommend listening to the full audiobook, but for those who need more bite-sized snippets, start with the podcast episode (or HBR article that Tulgan contributed to) and go from there.

[Moupiya Ukil · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this books, Bruce Talgan has simplified mystery of being indispensable at work. It is straightforward and shares ways of executing the tips he talks about in the book. Few topics mentioned in the book are repetitive, many behavioural expectations at work are already known to us. Nonetheless I would still recommend this book, it’s a good reminder for ones who have been industry for long and for newbies it’s a great start to ones career.

[Grace Rigdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had tangible advice as to how to continue to be the ‘go to’ person at work and in social settings. He called them the ‘go to ism’. There were tangible takeaways that I will be adding into my daily routine / structure, but also felt some of it was basic knowledge. While we know that we should be performing like x at work, it’s important to know how to reach those quotas / goals and beyond. He told great stories from many different industries to give examples.

[Ethan Petuchowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good for a business book. Practical tips on the right attitude to have as an employee. Be the one who gets stuff done quickly and with a positive attitude. Come up with ways to make life easier and spread them to your colleagues. Figure out what your niche is and stick to it. Build up a network of top people that can rely on you and you can rely on them. Do not defend your niche, in fact, onboard as many people as possible into it and make their onboarding process as simple as possible.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this a two without finishing even half of it. It's got good information but the delivery was terrible. Obviously anyone who is picking up this book is interested in improving themselves, why would you ever tell someone to quit their job if they aren't interested in doing more than the minimum? Read the audience you know?

[Samantha Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself thinking through this book recently. Finding little pockets of wisdom to help me try to refocus a little in the age of COVID-19 and round the clock work from home. There are gems that I found super impactful in helping me get out of my own head and do better work.

[Dominic Sagwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent piece

A must read for all. Whether you are an individual trying to navigate the gig economy or a foot soldier in the collaboration revolution, go-to-ism will make you more effective, saner, and happier.

[حسين كاظم · Rating 2 out of 5]

لولا أني أكتب كتابا يتناول في بعض مواضعه بيئة العمل، لما فكرت في قراءة هذا الكتاب ولا في هذه النوعية من الكتب. أما وقد قرأته، فإن الكتاب مليء بالثرثرة الفارغة ولم أجد فيه ما ينفع فيه إلا لماما في الحياة، وفي مشروعي الذي أعمل على كتابته.

[Ho Le Chern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty checklist of things of do and generally provides good guidelines. lacks some contextual depth

[Jim Laughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice

Full of practical advice to develop tactics and strategies, new approaches. Look forward to putting into practice, evolving into a go-to team.