Roger: Are you working hard, checking off tasks, but still feel like you could be contributing more? In today's complex workplaces, how do you become truly indispensable—the person leaders rely on when the stakes are high? Roger: That’s the core question Liz Wiseman tackles in Impact Players. The central idea is powerful: some professionals deliver exceptional value not just by doing their job, but by actively solving the problems that really matter. Think of it like basketball: many play their position, but Impact Players understand the whole game – when to shoot, when to pass, how to elevate the team. They're trusted when the game's on the line. The one thing to remember is this: shift your focus from simply fulfilling duties to actively making yourself useful and driving meaningful outcomes, especially when facing ambiguity. Roger: So, how do you cultivate this Impact Player mindset? It starts with making yourself genuinely useful. This isn't about busyness; it's aligning your efforts with what the organization truly needs. Typical contributors focus on their job description; Impact Players look beyond it. They ask, 'What's the most important challenge, and how can I help?' Consider Sabine Khairallah at Unilever during a supply chain crisis. Instead of accepting delays, she proactively investigated bottlenecks outside her role and coordinated solutions, saving a critical product launch. Roger: Beyond that, Impact Players demonstrate leadership agility. They don't wait for formal authority. Seeing a leadership vacuum or an urgent problem, they step up, like Joya Lewis at Target who rallied managers during a crisis when the store leader was absent. Crucially, they also know when to step back, support others, and follow effectively. It’s about contributing where needed, fostering true collaboration. Roger: Impact Players also finish stronger. Challenges are inevitable. While others might get discouraged, Impact Players take ownership and persevere, often delivering more value despite setbacks. Think of Dr. Kevin Menes during the Las Vegas mass casualty incident. His mental preparation and creative problem-solving under extreme pressure saved countless lives. They ensure the job gets done well, adapting as needed. Roger: Finally, high-impact contributors constantly ask and adjust. They don't assume they have all the answers; they actively seek feedback as crucial data for improvement. Like director Ron Howard asking an actor, 'Would you like to try it with a sadder face?' to get a better performance, they use questions and feedback collaboratively to refine their approach, ensuring their contributions stay relevant and impactful. Roger: Why is Impact Players a must-read? Because it provides a clear roadmap to shift from being merely capable to becoming truly indispensable. It’s not about working longer, but working smarter on what counts. Here’s your immediate action step: The next time you encounter a challenge at work, resist asking 'Whose job is this?' Instead, ask yourself, 'What's needed right now, and how can I help?' This simple shift puts you on the path to becoming an Impact Player. Roger: That’s your MBA in 5. I’m Roger. See you next time.