How to Become A Key Person of Influence at Work

Picture John staring at his computer screen, a pit forming in his stomach. Reports of mass layoffs seem to be everywhere lately and on top of this, the news that his desired company to work with is leaving Nigeria. Coupled with inflation soaring and the economy on unstable ground, he couldn't shake the nagging fear - "Will I be next?" 

Sound familiar? If you're among the millions of Nigerian professionals anxiety-watching the jobs landscape, you're not alone. It's a brutal climate with a 33.69% inflation rate, import-crippling dollar scarcity, and public fund misuse making headlines.

But take heart - this doomsday scenario can be an opportunity in disguise for those who know how to future-proof their careers. After all, companies may cut redundant roles, but they'll fight to retain employees who are indispensable value creators.

Rather than wait for the apocalypse, why not make yourself indispensable?
We’ll explore some survival strategies to keep your job and thrive despite the volatile conditions.

Become the Key Person of Influence

Why should an employer keep you over anyone else? The secret to becoming indispensable is constantly discovering ways to boost productivity and generate tangible results. Maybe it's proactively identifying bottlenecks, pitching cost-saving solutions, or pioneering innovative ideas.

Don't just do your job duties - exceed them at every turn. When times get tough, the difference between who stays and who goes often comes down to measurable impact on the bottom line.

Stay Hungry, Keep Evolving

To reign is to remain - Skills are becoming obsolete faster than ever thanks to rapid technological shifts. The only way to avoid becoming a dinosaur is to upskill and expand your toolkit continually.
The latest report from the World Economic Forum listed top skills for the future workforce, including creative thinking, analytical thinking, systems thinking, AI and Big data, and so on. So dedicate time to leveling up. Enroll in our critical thinking masterclass, earn new certifications, and listen to industry podcasts - whatever sharpens your sword.

“Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.” -Robin Sharma

Be Credible

Beyond expertise and know-how, one extremely underrated yet vital trait that can make or break your career is credibility. As John C. Maxwell wrote, "Credibility is a leader's currency." Without it, you're bankrupt in terms of influence and staying power.

When the chips are down, who will leadership turn to for advice or vision? The person with a proven track record of honesty, integrity, and delivering on their word. If you want a seat at the decision-making table, you must become known as a consummate truth-teller who practices what they preach.

So work on becoming impeccable with your ethics, reliability, and commitment to your organization. Credibility is an indispensable asset in any career. 

In conclusion, 

With the disruption in the job market, being passive is like waiting for an asteroid to end your career. But by making yourself a unique value creator who consistently upskills while embodying credibility, you won't just survive the coming storm - you'll be the key person of influence companies fight to keep on the ark.

The choice is yours: I hope your job sticks around despite the odds. Or dare to future-proof your positioning as an essential player that no organization can afford to let go? Prioritize mastering these three principles, and opportunity awaits among the rubble of change.

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Are you ready to future-proof your career? Sign up for our critical thinking masterclass

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