These are unprecedented times, with the amount of political, financial, and social shifts happening – all in parallel, and all influencing each other. It is but expected that folks are feeling overwhelmed and jittery. The impact on international students and foreign professionals is even more. During the past few weeks, multiple new Canadians have asked me for my input on how they can ensure that they not only hold on to their jobs but that their value is evident to those around them.
These are my humble inputs.
There are two kinds of people in any workplace: those who wait to be told what to do and those who anticipate what needs to be done. The first group does their job competently, follows instructions, and meets expectations. The second group operates on a different level entirely. They take ownership, solve problems before they arise, and become the people others turn to – not out of necessity, but out of trust.
I’ve seen this play out over and over again in my own life.
The people who get ahead aren’t always the loudest or the most technically skilled. They’re the ones who make themselves indispensable in quiet but undeniable ways. They don’t just execute tasks – they create certainty. You don’t have to wonder if they’ll follow through. You don’t have to chase them for updates. They think ahead, they take action, and they make life easier for everyone around them.
Standing out isn’t about working harder; it’s about thinking differently. Success in any role – whether you’re an employee, a leader, or an entrepreneur – doesn’t come from simply fulfilling expectations. It comes from going beyond them. Not by being a hero or making grand gestures, but by consistently demonstrating reliability, initiative, and foresight. When people know they can count on you without having to manage you, everything changes. You become indispensable.
So, how do you become that person? How do you move from being someone who executes tasks to someone who is sought out for solutions?
Here are the ten principles that I personally practice and share widely:
1. Take full ownership of your work.
The best professionals don’t wait for check-ins or reminders; they update before being asked. If something is in your hands, it’s yours from start to finish. I’ve always believed that true accountability isn’t about being in control – it’s about being answerable for the outcome. People trust those who don’t need to be managed, who don’t require follow-ups, and who bring solutions instead of questions.
2. Step up when it’s inconvenient.
It’s easy to take on work when it’s comfortable, but those who stand out raise their hand for the tough assignments. Not to impress, not to be the loudest in the room, but because they see opportunity where others see difficulty. Every difficult task is a chance to prove reliability, and nothing builds trust like consistently showing up when it matters most. I’ve been on both sides of this – watching people disappear when things got hard, and watching others step in when they didn’t have to. The ones who step up? They’re the ones you remember.
3. Stay ahead of deadlines.
The people who always seem calm under pressure aren’t superhuman – they’re just better at managing time. Deadlines shouldn’t sneak up on you. Finishing early isn’t about rushing; it’s about creating space to refine, catch errors, and improve. I’ve never once regretted finishing something ahead of time, but I have regretted underestimating how long something would take. When you deliver before it’s expected, you don’t just meet expectations – you redefine them.
4. Bring data, not just opinions.
Anyone can say something sounds like a good idea, but the people who are taken seriously are the ones who back up their words with facts. When you walk into a meeting, come prepared with numbers, insights, and evidence. Being well-informed sets you apart faster than almost anything else. People listen when you bring proof. They nod politely when you bring speculation.
5. Anticipate needs before they arise.
The difference between a great team player and an irreplaceable one is foresight. Don’t just do your job – think about what’s next. What challenges are coming? What will your team or client need before they even realize it? Some of the best people I’ve worked with had an uncanny ability to see around corners. They knew what I needed before I did. That kind of awareness isn’t magic – it’s just paying attention and thinking ahead.
6. Solve problems without creating new ones.
Anyone can point out issues; few bring solutions. If you raise a problem, always come with at least two potential ways to address it. Being a problem solver isn’t about knowing all the answers – it’s about demonstrating that you’ve thought critically and can navigate uncertainty. No one remembers the person who points out the fire; they remember the one who calmly walks in with a fire extinguisher.
7. Seek feedback before it’s given.
Don’t wait for the annual review to know where you stand. Ask for feedback regularly, and more importantly, act on it. The fastest way to improve is to stay open to learning and adjust quickly. The people who grow the most aren’t the ones who get the least criticism – they’re the ones who apply it the fastest. I’ve seen careers stall because people avoided feedback. I’ve also seen people skyrocket because they actively sought it out. The difference is in how you handle it.
8. Communicate with clarity and purpose.
The most valuable people in any organization are those who can articulate their thoughts clearly, concisely, and confidently. Ambiguity weakens trust. Say what you mean, be direct, and eliminate unnecessary complexity. Strong communication isn’t about using big words – it’s about making big ideas easy to understand. The best communicators I know aren’t the ones who sound the smartest; they’re the ones who make things simplest.
9. Make other people’s jobs easier.
This is an overlooked but critical trait. The more friction you remove, the more valuable you become. If working with you feels effortless – because you’re proactive, dependable, and solutions-oriented—people will naturally gravitate toward you. No one forgets the person who made their life easier. And when you become that person, people advocate for you, open doors for you, and trust you in ways that can’t be measured.
10. Never stop learning.
The moment you stop growing, you start becoming replaceable. The best professionals, leaders, and thinkers are never satisfied with what they already know. They read, they ask questions, they seek out new perspectives. Stagnation is a choice, and so is continuous growth. The people who are always evolving are the ones who stay ahead. The ones who aren’t? They get left behind.
At the heart of all this is a simple truth: being exceptional isn’t about waiting for instructions or doing just enough. It’s about thinking ahead, taking responsibility, and making yourself someone others can trust without hesitation.
Because in the end, the most valuable person in any room isn’t the one who just gets the job done – it’s the one people know they can count on, no matter what.