The Art of Being Indispensable at Work

Win Influence, Beat Overcommitment, and Get the Right Things Done

By: Bruce Tulgan

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

With new technology, flatter organizations, far-flung virtual teams, and constant change, getting things done at work is tougher and more complex than ever. Managers and executives are trying harder than ever to keep up and stay effective, relying on cross-functional coordination, better planning and resource sharing, simplified processes, and speeded-up work. It's a herculean challenge, and people are struggling. Overcommitment grows and burnout looms.

But even amid the seeming chaos of the matrix organization - where you are constantly being asked to do things by people who aren't your boss - there is always that special person who seems indispensable, who seems to thrive on complexity, and who is able to stay focused and positive and get the right things done: This is the go-to person.

In this game-changing book, 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 not only behave differently, but also think differently, basing their decisions and actions on their own personal influence rather than on any formal designation of authority. At the heart of the go-to person's unique credo are the basics of "the ask" and the response - a powerful reimagining of how to say yes and when to say no.

©2020 Bruce Tulgan (P)2020 Gildan Media

actually most practical advice

it's very down to earth, without using things that are not possible..
it's very well read,
it explains everything very well

Decent book for junior employees finding how to work smart

Didn’t resonate for me today. Otherwise I thought it was a decent book. Would love to see one at upper mgmt levels.

Shallow advice

The author has ignored the reality of organisations with cronyism, office politics, and sociopaths. He seems to think that businesses are meritocracies and the only problem is you.

Waste of time.

The book is based in simple, classic, and common sense management ideas, some of them are just the shadow of more robust bodies of knowledge in customer service and Agile Management. I recommend reading instead Peter Drucker: The Effective Executive