"We're taught to just be grateful and over-deliver," says Andrew McCaskill: Here's what professionals must learn
“We’re taught to just be grateful, over-deliver and prove that we deserve and belong in those roles,” LinkedIn career expert Andrew McCaskill told CNBC Make It.
This simple yet profound statement encapsulates a truth many employees in the US workplace are grappling with today. In an era defined by connectivity, collaboration, and an always-on culture, countless professionals have found themselves inadvertently indispensable. Their willingness to help colleagues, extend deadlines, and shoulder additional responsibilities has transformed them into the linchpins of their organizations. Yet, often, this crucial role comes without recognition, compensation, or even formal acknowledgment. What begins as a gesture of goodwill can subtly morph into an unspoken expectation, straining mental health and threatening career satisfaction.
The silent weight of accidental importance
Perhaps you’ve stayed late one evening to finish a project or offered guidance to a struggling teammate, only to see your informal generosity multiply into routine demands. Without commensurate recognition, this “accidental importance” can feel less like an achievement and more like a burden. Andrew McCaskill warns that employees often “become like the glue that’s holding everything together, without the title or the compensation to match it.”
Yet, withdrawing entirely, what the media often dubs “quiet quitting,” is rarely the solution. Avoiding colleagues can jeopardize relationships, stall opportunities, and leave achievements invisible. Navigating this paradox requires strategy, clarity, and assertiveness.
Master the ‘yes, and…’ method
One way to maintain your value without succumbing to overwhelm is the “Yes, and…” approach. Rather than accepting additional tasks blindly, seek clarity: “Don’t leave that [conversation] without clarity about what the expectations are,” McCaskill advises in the interview with CNBC Make it.
For instance, when offered a new assignment, respond:
“Yes, I’m really excited about this opportunity. And I’d like to know, are there any additional resources for this project? What outcomes do you want to see?”
If a colleague requests your help, loop in your manager. Ask: “What, if anything, should I deprioritize so that I can give this my full focus? How important is this?”
This method not only prevents burnout but also creates a documented record of your efforts. Over time, this evidence becomes invaluable when negotiating raises , promotions, or more substantial responsibilities.
Push back with grace and strategy
When your workload threatens your well-being, silence is not golden. McCaskill recalls his father’s advice: “Son, holler if it hurts. You do not get extra credit for doing things the hard way.”
If tasks compromise sleep, sanity, or performance, communicate immediately. Offer alternative timelines: “Yes, and I can get started on that in a few weeks.”
When declining, lead with gratitude: Thank your manager or colleague for the opportunity, and explain that other commitments require your attention. McCaskill emphasizes that this approach ensures you “lead with gratitude and end with understanding and clarity.”
Building long-term success
Accidental importance, when navigated wisely, can become a powerful lever for career growth . By combining strategic acceptance, thoughtful negotiation, and careful documentation, employees can turn their indispensable contributions into formal recognition, promotions, and a more balanced professional life. The key lies not in shrinking from responsibility but in shaping it consciously, asserting boundaries without eroding trust or goodwill.
In a workplace that increasingly values adaptability and collaboration, mastering this balance may be the single most important skill an employee can cultivate. After all, being indispensable does not have to mean being overwhelmed if you know how to manage the power you’ve inadvertently earned.
This simple yet profound statement encapsulates a truth many employees in the US workplace are grappling with today. In an era defined by connectivity, collaboration, and an always-on culture, countless professionals have found themselves inadvertently indispensable. Their willingness to help colleagues, extend deadlines, and shoulder additional responsibilities has transformed them into the linchpins of their organizations. Yet, often, this crucial role comes without recognition, compensation, or even formal acknowledgment. What begins as a gesture of goodwill can subtly morph into an unspoken expectation, straining mental health and threatening career satisfaction.
The silent weight of accidental importance
Perhaps you’ve stayed late one evening to finish a project or offered guidance to a struggling teammate, only to see your informal generosity multiply into routine demands. Without commensurate recognition, this “accidental importance” can feel less like an achievement and more like a burden. Andrew McCaskill warns that employees often “become like the glue that’s holding everything together, without the title or the compensation to match it.”
Yet, withdrawing entirely, what the media often dubs “quiet quitting,” is rarely the solution. Avoiding colleagues can jeopardize relationships, stall opportunities, and leave achievements invisible. Navigating this paradox requires strategy, clarity, and assertiveness.
Master the ‘yes, and…’ method
One way to maintain your value without succumbing to overwhelm is the “Yes, and…” approach. Rather than accepting additional tasks blindly, seek clarity: “Don’t leave that [conversation] without clarity about what the expectations are,” McCaskill advises in the interview with CNBC Make it.
For instance, when offered a new assignment, respond:
“Yes, I’m really excited about this opportunity. And I’d like to know, are there any additional resources for this project? What outcomes do you want to see?”
If a colleague requests your help, loop in your manager. Ask: “What, if anything, should I deprioritize so that I can give this my full focus? How important is this?”
This method not only prevents burnout but also creates a documented record of your efforts. Over time, this evidence becomes invaluable when negotiating raises , promotions, or more substantial responsibilities.
Push back with grace and strategy
When your workload threatens your well-being, silence is not golden. McCaskill recalls his father’s advice: “Son, holler if it hurts. You do not get extra credit for doing things the hard way.”
If tasks compromise sleep, sanity, or performance, communicate immediately. Offer alternative timelines: “Yes, and I can get started on that in a few weeks.”
When declining, lead with gratitude: Thank your manager or colleague for the opportunity, and explain that other commitments require your attention. McCaskill emphasizes that this approach ensures you “lead with gratitude and end with understanding and clarity.”
Building long-term success
Accidental importance, when navigated wisely, can become a powerful lever for career growth . By combining strategic acceptance, thoughtful negotiation, and careful documentation, employees can turn their indispensable contributions into formal recognition, promotions, and a more balanced professional life. The key lies not in shrinking from responsibility but in shaping it consciously, asserting boundaries without eroding trust or goodwill.
In a workplace that increasingly values adaptability and collaboration, mastering this balance may be the single most important skill an employee can cultivate. After all, being indispensable does not have to mean being overwhelmed if you know how to manage the power you’ve inadvertently earned.
Next Story