Experience, Opportunity, and Developing Your Career (HBR Work Smart Series)

17 Should You Really Be Indispensable at Work?

by Liz Wiseman

You may have heard the advice to make yourself indispensable at work. Sure, it sounds smart. Beyond the obvious plus of having a secure source of income, knowing that you’re needed may provide you with a sense of safety and ease your mental load (especially when layoffs are on the table).

But unfortunately—and despite the cacophony of articles swearing by this approach—it’s often unrealistic and shortsighted.

For the last several years, I’ve researched how top workplace contributors think and behave.¹ Through interviews and surveys with employees around the world, I’ve found, for most people, the desire to have our work matter and make an impact is universal. I’ve also found ...