Linchpin: Am I Indispensable?

It's something we all want, even if we don't admit it, don't you think, to be indispensable? But the crux is for it not to become egotistical, prideful or so full of selfish ambition that we are actually contributing to our ticket out the door.

I think the qualities that truly make one indispensable are the relationship qualities Jesus so valued.Time in a rushed society; the ability to listen and contribute, not simply criticize, and doing small things with great love in whatever sphere of influence we operate in.

I think the times I've been considered "indispensible" at work were the times I kept my mouth shut unless really needed and worked thinking nothing was beneath or above me. If you work willing to do the lowest job, and work willing to learn the highest you can become that indispensible person.

I agree with Kathy- the times I've probably considered myself to be indispensible are the times I've probably been considered the most dispensible!

Good point, Kathy. It seems that the people who TRY to be indispensable only end up coming off as prideful or anxious about being fired. I've worked with people who tried to prove that they were valuable and only revealed how insecure they were and how afraid they were of losing their jobs. I know someone who recently told his boss: "If the company is going in a new direction and my job no longer exists, I will be receive that as confirmation from the Lord that it's time to enter a new season. I only want what's best for the organization."

I think that THAT kind of attitude makes someone indispensable - showboats, ego-driven "leaders", and glory-hounds have no place in a team environment and are actually a detriment to an organization, in my opinion.

That being said, I think we all want to feel valued. Another excellent book about this subject (from a leader's standpoint) is The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey.

Love this quote of yours, Suzanne: "The times I've probably considered myself to be indispensable are the times I've probably been considered the most dispensable!"

That's real leadership and humility there - working yourself out of a job.

MY FAVORITE QUOTE ON THIS IS;

JOHN RAMBO STATES HE'S DISPENSABLE AND EXPLAINS IT AS, " WHEN YOUR INVITED TO A PARTY AND DON'T GO AND NOBODY CARES
LATER AFTER SAVING A GUY AND ESCAPING HIMSELF HE'S TOLD:
RAMBO YOU NOT DISPENSABLE

HE WAS INVITED TO THE PARTY
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN TOLD..."MISSED YA AT THE PARTY"

SO MAYBE WE REALLY DON'T KNOW CAUSE ITS NOT ABOUT WHAT WE THINK OF OURSELVES ANYWAY
BUT........ I COULD BE WRONG

Like many, I'm highly anticipating Seth's new book. While we're on the topic of quotes, here's a favorite of mine that I think goes with the conversation:

“The most dangerous follower is he whose defection would destroy the whole party: that is to say, the best follower.” - Nietzsche

-Marshall Jones Jr.

Reading tribes and purple cow right now. Will be calling you in a minute.