In a recent workshop session I challenged the group to determine if they…their products and services…were Indispensable to their/today’s marketplace.  And as I witnessed a lot of questioning looks on the faces of those in attendance, I realized I needed to better explain my question with a more exact definition of Indispensable.

The definition I gave them was a series of words.  I stated that in order to consider yourself or your organization Indispensable…are you:

• Essential
• Vital
• All Important
• Crucial
• Imperative
• Key
• Necessary

The reaction of the group was quite humbling.  And even though they were confident that they individually and as a group were Indispensable…they felt really challenged by THE Value Test!

My Indispensable:  THE Value Test was actually very simple.  Specifically I first asked:

1. Have the potential customers coming through your doors changed? Answer:  YES…a lot!
2. Have the organizations/businesses you work with changed? Answer:  YES…a lot!
3. Finally have the needs of the customers/organizations/businesses changed? Answer:  YES…a lot!

Then I asked if everything around you has changed “a lot”…what/how have you changed and thereby increased your Indispensable VALUE to the marketplace?

Well I am not going to give you the details of our follow-up discussion.  Instead I want everyone to apply the Indispensable:  THE Value Test to yourself, your business and/or your organization.  Are you Essential, Vital, All Important, Crucial, Imperative, Key and Necessary??  This type of unique strategy session is high value in every workplace situation.

Give the “Test” a try.  Honesty and awareness are great motivational and inspirational outcomes.