Invaluable: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable [Hardcover]

Dave Crenshaw (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 17, 2010

A business fable for anyone feeling overwhelmed, underpaid, and frustrated in their job

From the author of The Myth of Multitasking comes Invaluable, a business fable that empowers the frustrated and overworked to understand the value of their time. At the fictitious company GreenGarb, twenty-something Jason is discontent in his entry-level position, feeling his skills and knowledge are being underutilized; mid-level manager Tracy is overwhelmed by her own workload and needy direct reports; and CEO Helen needs them to sort it out productively. Jason's grandfather Charlie plants the seed of a new perspective in Jason mind: before he can get a raise, he must prove he deserves the raise. He must establish the value of his time, rather than expecting to be paid what he thinks he is worth. Time management consultant Phil helps them determine how they spend their time, and what it costs, with easy-to-follow worksheets that map what their actions and time are worth.

• Offers solid advice for determining just how "invaluable" you are to your boss and customers
• Shows how to create a productive framework of cooperation in the workplace
• Includes an appendix of worksheets and examples that offer concrete tools that can be applied immediately

The Myth of Multitasking taught readers how to take control of their time. Invaluable shows readers how to increase the value of the time they do spend working.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘…shows how to create a productive framework of cooperation in the workplace'. (Finace & Managment Faculty, September 2010).

From the Inside Flap

Invaluable empowers the frustrated and overworked to understand what their time is worth and how they can, quite literally, spend it more profitably.

An engaging business fable, Invaluable tells the story of Jason, who is discontent in his entry-level position, feeling his skills and knowledge are underutilized; his manager, Tracy, who is overwhelmed by her own workload and seemingly needy direct reports; and their CEO, Helen, who needs them to sort it out productively. From an unexpected source, Jason learns a hard but invaluable lesson: before he can get a raise, he must prove his real dollar value, rather than expect to be paid what he thinks he is worth. Though at very different stages in their careers, Jason, Tracy, and Helen each learn how to determine the value of their time and actions, the best ways to spend their own time, and how to empower their colleagues to do the same.

With easy-to-use assessments and worksheets and ready-to-implement advice, Invaluable will help you:

• Determine exactly how "invaluable" you are to your boss and customers

• Discover your "Most Valuable Activities" and how to focus on them

• Create a framework of cooperation in the workplace

• Design systems and processes for maximum productivity

• Develop strategies to increase job security and income

In The Myth of Multitasking, Dave Crenshaw showed you how to gain more time, making you more present in both work and life. Invaluable will now show you how to maximize the very real dollar value of each working hour.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (May 17, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470553235
• ISBN-13: 978-0470553237
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #436,565 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A highly sought-after author, speaker, and business coach, Dave Crenshaw is the foremost expert in helping clients become invaluable in an ever-changing market. He has helped CEOs and employees worldwide gain thousands of hours of productivity and boost both their business and personal bottom line.

Dave Crenshaw's often humorous and entertaining approach always hits right on the head with audiences. His speeches to audiences around the globe are described as life changing. Dave has appeared in the news worldwide, including TIME magazine, SIRIUS XM Radio, Forbes, and BBC News.

Dave's first book, The Myth of Multitasking: How "Doing It All" Gets Nothing Done, is a time management best seller available in many languages worldwide. His second book, Invaluable: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable, is also an organizational behavior and motivation bestseller.

Dave is the founder of Invaluable Inc., a coaching and training corporation dedicated to helping companies, their leaders, and their employees become truly invaluable. He is also President of the International Association of Productivity Coaches.

Dave lives in the shadow of Utah's Rocky Mountains with his wife and children.

To learn more about Dave, visit www.DaveCrenshaw.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even More Than I Expected - and I Expected a Great Deal from Dave Crenshaw, May 23, 2010

By 

Dr. Margaret E. McIntosh "Meggin McIntosh, Ph... (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Invaluable: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable (Hardcover)

I am writing this review and haven't even finished the book yet. I am on Amazon to order additional copies and they will be shipped immediately so that I can begin giving them to the people who work with me and to people in upcoming workshops.

Dave Crenshaw's first book, The Myth of Multitasking, was SUPER and this book is even better. I can feel my thinking shifting and am amazed at his ability to bring some seemingly simple concepts (that VERY few of us follow) into sharp focus. This is a must-read, must-share book regardless of whether you are an entrepreneur, employer, employee, or looking for work.

I'll finish the book tomorrow and may have to write another review. I'll certainly be getting the word out about this book. THANK YOU, Dave.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Add Value to be Invaluable, July 23, 2010

By 

Jim Estill (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invaluable: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable (Hardcover)

I had a negative reaction to the title because I believe everyone is replaceable and greatly dislike those that hoard information and knowledge which is how some choose to be more irreplaceable (and that method does not work).

But that is not what the book is about. It is about Time Management (so of course I love it). The gist of the message is "spend your time in your most valuable area (he calls them MVAs)". This has to do with knowing your unique strengths and understanding the value of them.

So I heartily agree with the thesis. And it re-emphasizes all that I know.

It is written as a story or parable which I do not particularly like (although many people prefer that). I just like the facts.

I think this book will inspire people to spend their time better. This is a great book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book to Give You an Edge, December 1, 2010

By 

Joelle Jay "Executive Coach & Author of The I... (Reno, Nevada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Invaluable: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable (Hardcover)

Wow - I feel like I've been given the secret every aspiring career person needs to have to be successful. Becoming "invaluable" is an idea that will help me - and all of this book's readers - reframe the way they are (or are not) earning their success. What a fresh way to inspire! I'll be reading this many, many times!