How To Be "Indispensable" by David Gabri

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So how can you become "indispensable" - or at least "irreplaceable"?

In today's global meetings industry, it is necessary for meeting professionals and incentive specialists to articulate and show the many benefits of the programs or meetings they coordinate, as well as the value and quality of their work.

According to a very informative position paper by Meeting Professionals International's (MPI) staff and members of its Global Corporate Circle of Excellence about "The Power of Partnership" (www.mpiweb.org), there are many ways for planners to increase their strategic value to their organizations. The article advises that planners should:

• "Leverage their knowledge, experience, data and education to develop a strategic meetings program that aligns with the overall goals of the organization, and (then) choose the best model for their organizations."

• "Understand and embrace their organizations' strategic mission, culture and what their roles are in accomplishing these goals. Then continually educate their teams and others in the organization as to how their roles add value to meeting objectives."

• Track and report results of their programs regularly (such as monthly or quarterly) with measurements, to ensure executives can see the value they bring to the organization, which can enhance their own reporting.

• In their reports, include an analysis of ROI, cost savings, performance measures and customer/stakeholder satisfaction among their areas of measurement. The article also advises: "If possible, benchmark how you compare to other companies and reveal how to save money, maximize process efficiencies, and bolster productivity." But importantly, the article cautions: Tthe best value does not always mean the lowest cost." So be sure to outline how the program matched the organization's values, mission, and strategic objectives, and achieved the desired results.

• Exercise their relationships with your key contacts (like ALHI), where they can identify cost avoidance and savings opportunities.

• "Initiate and develop strategic alliances with other business partners in their organizations, [and] cooperate and collaborate to capitalize on [each one's] core competencies for mutual benefit."

• "Know their stakeholders and how to optimally deliver their messages to them."

• "Establish relationships with executives to understand their vision of meetings in helping to achieve organizational goals."

In identifying ways to make yourself even more valuable to your company or association, it also can be helpful to apply the principles advocated in the book "The Indispensable Employee" by Eric Weber, which include:

• "Ask not what your company can do for you, but rather what you can do for your company."

• "Look for ways to solve the company's problems."

• "Don't show the boss up."

• "You can make suggestions, but do it your boss' way (if they prefer)."

• "If you don't get what you want, take your hit and keep moving."

• "Perform with a positive attitude."

• "Prioritize tasks, and stay focused."

• "Ask for more work."

• "Meet your deadlines."

• "Get to know your boss."

Yet another way to increase your perceived "value" to the organization is to see your department as a company or "profit center," with you as the president. If you see the big picture (as the person in charge would) and can determine if an action will help the organization's bottom line, your "stock" will likely go up. Picking up assignments that you see are being neglected also is a trait truly valued by bosses.

So while there aren't many positions in this world that are totally "indispensable," there are certainly ways to increase your value to the organization. Taking a step back to identify how you personally can help your organization achieve its goals and mission is a great way to start.

If you have other suggestions to share with peers in the industry, visit the blog on www.ALHI.com and add your suggestions.

David Gabri is president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), which has the national sales responsibilities to the meetings and incentive industries for its membership of more than 125 premier Four- and Five-Diamond quality hotels and resorts worldwide. For information, contact your nearest ALHI National Sales Office, call the  "ALHI Luxury Group Desk" toll-free at 866-303-2544 or visit www.alhi.com .