“Everyone on the team should be continually training their replacement!” Yes that’s right, train the people around you just like they were going to replace you. And I direct this to ALL levels within your organization, from the mail room to the board room.
A few thoughts to ponder;
1.
You know
your “job” and you are very good in the performance of your responsibilities!
2.
In the event of your absence, whether planned or
unplanned, who will or is totally qualified to act on your behalf without any
disruption in the process of your everyday tasks?
3.
How would you feel if your boss said, “I’d like
to promote you to the next level in our company, but we don’t have anybody to
take your place, so no promotion at this time?”
4.
Are you carrying a heavy load while people
around you seem to have more leisure time at work?
To begin with, there is absolutely no room for paranoia
in the work place. I’ve
heard people say half heartedly, “soon he will know as much or more than me
then he’ll want my job.” This is
stinking thinking folks and needs to be out of the workplace. All employees want the opportunity to
grow.
TIP: My message today is a challenge to give this
concept a try. Pick one employee and
start giving him/her slightly more responsibility. Do this immediately after you take the time
to explain to them your goal and plan and that you’d like them to learn more
and add more value to the team. And
don’t forget to tell them that you expect them to “train the people around
themselves just like they are going to replace you.”
