This applies to many things, however, the core of this premise is its applicability to your work, no matter what it is.

Be so good that your colleagues, clients and bosses have to take notice of the work you do.

It might be the way you do it. The level of quality that you are reaching every time you send an email, for example. The style of your communications. The way you listen.

Or it could be a technical proficiency. Something you’ve honed over many years of practice and repetition.

Whatever it is, work as hard as you can on making it a little better every day.

It is not wasted time. The effort will stand up under pressure.

Sometimes this stuff is drowned out by the policiticans that inhabit every workplace. The game-players. The ones who will burn anyone to get what they feel they deserve.

In general – and I have seen this play out over time – those with the skills become dependable, reliable, and essential to leaders when they’re making their picks.

I know which camp I’d rather be in.