Become Rare

Today I received some advice at work: "Become rare." I've been at my current job for a bit over two years and I've been consistently doing well at an individual contributor level. However, in my current role and company I can only bring in as much value as the number of hours that I can work and bill to clients. Within the company, in a way I am my own business. If salespeople and project managers trust me or know that I'm skilled in a certain area, they'll "hire" me, or bring me in on different projects where I can provide value.

Developing a unique skill that is marketable and ensures that I remain in high demand for the foreseeable future is a key way to demonstrate value to the company, and in turn justify them paying me more. Currently, simply working in the industry I'm in makes me rare and in demand. But markets tend to adjust over time and this won't last forever. By talking to people in other departments and leadership, I can learn what direction the company and market are moving in and which areas of expertise will be a priority and increasing in demand would position me well in the future.

Additionally, reaching out to make connections with others at the company would help establish relationships and trust outside of my own team. At the end of the day, whether we like to admit it or not, much of one's success in corporate America really just comes down to if people know you, like you, and trust you. I'm writing this to hopefully remind myself to actually do it. It's easy to just get my own work done and call it a day. Layering this on top is what would make the difference between a solid individual contributor and someone that management fast-tracks for success. Which means less time to play outside... hmm maybe I'm talking myself out of this. Although it also means earlier retirement and then more time to play outside... when I'm old and can't run all day... 

Diamond Vision - by Reena Ahluwalia

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