In 2008, I read Bloomberg Businessweek's article entitled “Management by the Numbers,” in which they review how IBM has been building mathematical models of its own employees with an aim to improve productivity and automate management. I’ll let you read it and draw your own conclusions, but I realized that this article still rings true today.

After reading this article so many years ago, I learned a new workplace term that they’re using over at IBM. "Fungible" is a word used to describe workers who are “virtually indistinguishable from others” in terms of the value of their contributions in the workplace.

You see, IBM’s study is enabling them to identify top performers from average ones, with the latter being fungible—and I would assume that translates into expendable as well.

Okay, so they are most likely not using the term—but they are having that discussion, I assure you.

So, what does this mean for you and your career? It means now, more than ever, you need to stand out. If you blend in, you’re at risk. But if you make yourself indispensable—consistently delivering results, building key relationships, and owning your professional development—you become the person they can’t afford to lose.

The goal in today’s job market isn't just to stay employed. It's to be seen as irreplaceable. And that requires intentionality, strategy, and a deep understanding of the value you bring to the table.