Make yourself valuable

What do you do when you’re running late to work?

Call in and let them know

Sneak in through the back entrance

Show up and act like you have no idea that you’re late

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"Anyone who stops learning is old, whether this happens at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps on learning not only remains young, but becomes constantly more valuable regardless of physical capacity." –Harvey Ullman

How do you make yourself valuable?

One way is to find an edge, a special skill—or, better yet, several special skills—that set you apart. Maybe it's mastering a unique software program, developing the ability to find answers to difficult questions, or knowing a second language. Work to excel at something of value that distinguishes you form the rest of the group and truly sets you apart.

Continue to learn.

Valued employees grow. If you want to grow, expand your horizons, and elevate your goals, it's important to develop several skills and become proficient at many different things. The more skills you have—the more you learn—the more valuable you are.

And be consistent…just like an athlete who proves his greatness over and over again. Doing something great once is fine, several times even better. Doing something really well all the time—or at least most of the time—is best.

Think: what are some skills that you already have that you can develop further to make yourself an even more valuable employee? Which new ones can you learn?