Indispensable

It’s really nice to be needed, to be valued based on your knowledge and skills.

The real question is: Do you want your organization to outlive your personal contribution? It’s actually a tricky question to answer, because it means that you need to be able to put aside your ego.

And it’s hard to prepare others to take over your role. I get that.

I had a case some years ago where I knew that my time was running out with the organization over a year in advance. It was a complex internal journey, because that meant I had to hire my replacement and get them involved in all high level decisions. I was worried about the impact this would have on others, but it actually worked out fine. I was being transparent.

When the switchover finally happened, my role changed as soon as the announcement was made. Like that instant. Suddenly I was a supporter rather than the boss, not able to make the decisions myself. I was an advisor, and it was uncomfortable. But necessary.

Another scenario is that you might disappear quickly or even suddenly. It’s something that a good leader needs to prepare for, despite being uncomfortable with the topic.

How well are your processes documented?

How well is your information organized?

How many people know how you actually do your job?

Which relationships would fall apart if you weren’t there to maintain them?

My friend, none of us can be indispensable. Not if you want the momentum you’ve been working so hard on to continue.