Last night I was watching an old CSI episode. Greg Sanders was demanding that his boss, Gil Grissom make a decision.
(I am paraphrasing here) “Tell me what you have decided. Do I remain in the lab? Or can I start to work full-time in the field?”
Grissom (paraphrased) “Greg – when you have hired and trained your replacement, you can start to work full-time in the field.”
It’s that simple!
If you want to move forward in your career, you must look for, hire (figuratively) and train your replacement.
I wrote an article on this subject last year – “The Best Career Advice – Ever!” Here is an excerpt:
“Want to get ahead in your career? Make your boss replaceable. Start solving their problems. Don’t continue to bring them your problems, bring them possible solutions. Let them see that they are replaceable – by you! Let them move up a rung on the career ladder. And if they are smart, they will bring you along with them on the journey up. They will be your mentor.”
Follow this advice. It’s guaranteed to work every time!
Danny,
Truer words have not been spoken. When people ask what my job is, I’ve always replied, “To make myself disposable.” In short, make sure someone else can do my job. That way, I can move on to the next job, project or adventure in the company.
It’s only common sense to train, plan ahead and empower every member of an organization to the max. If a company suffers because a team member leaves the job (due to opportunity, illness or retirement), that employee was weak. A great team member, in my view, is someone who could walk away from the business tomorrow and the company continues without major interruption. That can only happen if they’ve left a solid plan and well-trained replacements.
Hi Frank –
Thank you for contributing your thoughts.
Adding to your comment, I am reminded of two quotes from the brilliant advertising executive, David Oglivy:
1) “If each of us hires people smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs.”
2) “First make yourself a reputation for being a creative genius. Second, surround yourself with partners who are better than you are, Third, leave them to go get on with it.”