I remember in my early 20’s I was frustrated in my job. I was convinced (as all leaders in their 20’s are) that I was better and smarter than other people thought of me. I knew I should have more influence and responsibility than my boss was giving me. I was being held back because they were intimidated by me, didn’t want to lose their power and influence.

Maybe you’ve felt the same way.

Why isn’t my platform like that person? Why don’t I get to lead that? Why am I still in the second, third or fourth chair instead of the first chair?

When will they notice me? How do you make yourself stand out in a company, church or industry?

I remember telling a mentor this, and he gave me the best advice I’ve ever got.

Make yourself indispensable. 

At first, this seems counterintuitive (but the best advice normally is).

Being indispensable means a couple of things: working hard in the area you are in, being on time, completing a task given to you, being a great team member, picking up things that are outside of your area because somebody needs to do them.

Leaders love to assign tasks to people who can be trusted, not people who are looking to hoard influence or power.

Another way to make yourself indispensable (and I’ll say this as a lead pastor now) is not to create headaches for your boss. I wish I knew that as a 23-year-old, but the more relaxed you can make your boss’s life, the more critical you become. The more your boss will go out on a limb for you and give you opportunities.