Lauren McGoodwin, founder of Career Contessa, discusses the benefits of being invaluable at work and how to achieve this status. Topics include defining success, the distinction between volume and impact, tips for becoming invaluable, and the power of self-compassion in hitting goals.
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Quick takeaways
Being invaluable at work means focusing on delivering results, adapting to various tasks, and prioritizing impact over job security.
Transitioning from being indispensable to invaluable requires understanding organizational priorities, focusing on impactful projects, and practicing self-compassion for long-term success.
Deep dives
The Origins of Career Contessa
Lauren McGoodwin launched Career Contessa in 2013 as a career resource and media education platform for women. She noticed a lack of support and resources specifically designed for millennial women in the workplace. Career Contessa has evolved over time to become a professional development hub offering career advice, podcasts, job listings, and online courses. The platform aims to help women navigate their careers and find success beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all approach.
Becoming an Invaluable Contributor at Work
Being an invaluable contributor at work means focusing on delivering results and making a significant impact. Invaluable contributors are adaptable and can handle various tasks and projects within the company. They prioritize the person doing the job over the job itself and are able to take on leadership roles when needed. The distinction between indispensability and indispensability is that invaluable contributors take initiative and find better ways to fix issues, while indispensable employees wait for direction. Invaluable contributors focus on making an impact and being valuable rather than simply working hard for job security.
Transitioning to Invaluable Contribution
Transitioning from being indispensable to being invaluable requires proactive measures. Understanding what is important to the organization and your specific leader is crucial. Identifying critical issues and focusing on impactful projects demonstrates your value and adaptability. It's important to discern what tasks are truly essential and prioritize them over mere volume. Being proactive, adaptable, and taking initiative are key traits of invaluable contributors. Additionally, considering peer coaching and keeping a work journal can help individuals be their own career coaches by staying accountable and reflecting on their progress.
The Power of Self-Compassion in Career Development
Self-compassion is a powerful tool in career development. Rather than relying solely on self-confidence, practicing self-compassion leads to long-term success. With self-compassion, individuals acknowledge and accept their challenges and mistakes without harsh self-judgment. It involves being gentle and understanding with oneself and recognizing that setbacks and difficulties are a normal part of the journey. By embracing self-compassion, individuals can navigate tough job markets, setbacks, and uncertainties with resilience and continued growth.
An interview with Lauren McGoodwin, founder of Career Contessa, who makes the case for why invaluable beats indispensable…and shares some actions we can take to achieve this status.
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.