Bruce Tulgan - The Art of Being Indispensable at Work: Win Influence, Beat Overcommitment, and Get the Right Things Done

During my thirty-three years in the military, many people asked me how they could improve to be the number one person in their peer group. Bruce Tulgan analyzes, provides vignettes, and summarizes for us the essence of how to be that indispensable go-to person. Do you want to be a better leader, a better performer, perhaps number one in your peer group? Read this book. Both my sons are young military officers, and Im sending them each a copy.

GREG LENGYEL, Major General, US Air Force, Retired; former Deputy Commanding General, US Joint Special Operations Command; and Vice President, Sandoval Custom Creations, Inc.

I am tremendously impressed with Tulgans ability to present complicated and important issues in an understandable and useful way. This is a must-read how-to guide for understanding the positive power of attitude, influence, teaming, collaboration, building professional relationships, and being a leader in developing a culture of excellence.

KEVIN JACOBSEN, Brigadier General, US Air Force, Retired; former 16th Commander (Special Agent), Air Force Office of Special Investigations; and Managing Director, Ernst & Young

This could be the most practical and immediately usable book Ive ever read. Tulgan has found a way to boil down the most complicated and delicate balance inherent in saying yes and no, making commitments, and managing expectations. Mastering go-to-ism is a thing! And Tulgan just gave you the ultimate road map.

ERIC HUTCHERSON, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, National Basketball Association

For anybody at any level in any organization who wants to be that indispensable go-to person, read this book. In this constantly changing world, we all have to be able to rely on each other at work more than ever and the best way is for all of us to learn how to be better at serving each other. Tulgans research-based approach will show you how to lead from wherever you areup, down, sideways and diagonal.

RAY BLANCHETTE, President and CEO, TGI Fridays

Bruce Tulgan does it again. By zeroing in on the behaviors that make the most successful people tick, he highlights the key attributes that are critical to survive and thrive, despite the challenges.

SUSAN UNVARSKY, Vice President, US Customer Service, Prudential Financial

The Art of Being Indispensable at Work is a must-read for anyone who really wants to differentiate themselves in todays workforce. Bruce Tulgan reminds us that seemingly small actions can make such a huge difference! Great concepts in a practical and pragmatic approach to becoming that go-to person at work.

VANESSA BOULOUS, Chief Operations Officer, YMCA Retirement Fund

The Art of Being Indispensable at Work is an incredible book that explains the subtle yet crucial keys to victory in the workplace. Tulgan provides step-by-step instruction on the necessary components to building relationships that drive success, as well as the answers to questions you didnt know to ask. With this guide, anyone can start building an upward spiral of real influence.

KYMBERLEE DWINELL, Director, Global Diversity and Inclusion, Northrop Grumman Corporation

Bruce Tulgan is absolutely spot-on about how to thrive in an environment where you have to rely on people you cannot hold directly accountable. This book provides a bona fide step-by-step plan for succeeding in todays workplace. I want everyone on my team to read it so they can learn that the key to success is serving each other, adding value in every interaction, and making themselves indispensable to each other.

JON MORRISON, President, Americas, WABCO

Finally, a book on how to be effective as an individual contributor, a team player, and a leader. Tulgan lays out the path to gaining influence, leveraging alignment to get things done through others, setting yourself and your team up for success, and delivering tangible results. A true lesson in servant leadership, teamwork, and followership.

SHAUN M C CONKEY, Chief Operating Officer, US Operations, Carclo Technical Plastics

The Art of Being Indispensable at Work is practical, forward thinking, and provides excellent tips, best practices, and insights for succeeding in your career. This is a must-read for anyone wanting to be the best in their position and truly indispensable in their role. I personally plan to implement what I learned from this book.

ANNE ANDERTON WARREN, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, MKC

Tulgan articulates principles Ive observed over the years but didnt know how to communicate effectively to others: earning real influence, techniques for good decision making, the importance of professionalizing, and continually improving yourself and your work.

PAUL WHITE, coauthor, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Bruce Tulgan provides sound insight and guidance for professionals seeking to achieve success. In The Art of Being Indispensable at Work , he continues his direct yet easy-to-read advice as our jobs get harder, more consuming, and require greater flexibility and teamwork. Especially amid the global coronavirus pandemic, this book is a reminder of how we need to maintain our professionalism and positivity in our daily response to challenges.

MICHELE M C HALE, Partner, Plante Moran

In todays challenging economy, it may seem necessary to say yes to every requestand the requests are coming in fast and furious from all sides! Bruce Tulgans new book, The Art of Being Indispensable at Work , is a practical guide to becoming the go-to person you want to bewhile preserving your sanity.

JANET ALTMAN, Marketing Partner, Kaufman Rossin

Once again, Bruce Tulgan has masterfully navigated the speed and complexity of the work environment to clearly define todays top challenges and offer down-to-earth, practical advice and solutions. Using real-life examples and stories, he guides you on how to increase your influence with others, gain clarity, increase your efficiency and effectiveness, and avoid overwhelming overcommitment. This book is a must-read.

JILL KILROY, Assistant Vice President, Talent Management, Horace Mann Companies

Tulgans message on being indispensable at work is insightful, practical, and can be applied immediately. He uses real-life scenarios to inspire us to accept accountability and take action in practicing his approach to collaboration and leadership.

RYAN MAYOTTE, Director, Sales Capability, CDW

As we recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be challenges facing all businesses. Bruce Tulgan provides invaluable words of wisdom not only for those starting their careers but also for seasoned veterans and owners. A very good read.

BILL JACOBS, Member, Board of Trustees, Kings Daughters Medical Center; former owner and publisher, the Daily Leader and the Prentiss Headlight

One of my secret weapons in building a $100 million business was figuring out how to hire and develop exactly the sort of go-to people Bruce Tulgan writes about in this book. It is an absolute must-read for business owners, management, and anyone who wants to be indispensable at work.

PETER STAVISKY, founder and CEO, Barrington Media Group

Tulgan once again delivers an extraordinary blueprint for performance that should be in the hands of every employee who wants to make a difference, get ahead, and succeed. This book is a master class on becoming indispensable that perfectly balances what to do with what not to do. Destined to become a classic.