“The Power of Leadership”
Most people are very uncomfortable with the idea of dispensability. The leader on vacation is going totally goofy worrying that everything is OK at his office but is disappointed when he calls and learns that everything is OK at the office. How can things possibly run smoothly without him? I suggest you learn to welcome dispensability for the benefit of all.
People who tend to be leaders typically grow in expertise quickly, with just a bit of experience. They are fast learners and adaptors. But the ability to master large chunks of business operations in a matter of months does not bind you to continue doing those functions for years to come. This will lead that type of person to stagnation and dissatisfaction; you’ll likely even become ineffective due to boredom. The answer is replacement of you. You replace yourself and step up to another level of challenges and opportunities and pass on responsibilities as you groom someone to take your place.
Note that exactly the opposite of this behavior takes over in many corporate and bureaucratic environments where leaders fear the up and comers and protect their turf with secrecy, unnecessary complication, confusion, and politics. But you are too savvy for that and will do the opposite!
What plans do you have in place to reduce your business’ and your income’s dependency on your own time and effort?
“There is only one success; to be able to spend your life in your own way.” – Christopher Morley
Have a great day replacing yourself!
Shawn
Performance Institute – A Global Leader in Human Capital and Business Development
Russ M. Miller, LLIF – Chairman & CEO
Sunny Hong Zhang – Managing Partner – China
Shawn M. Miller – Managing Partner – USA
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I once had a supervisor who told me that when I came into the office and could put my feet up on the desk with nothing to do, I had finally done my job of developing those who reported to me. I later carried this forward by letting those who reported to me know that they could not be promoted unless their area of responsibilities could run with out them. I would not harm one department to build another. This applied to me as well!
I am learning how wonderful outsourcing is. Developing a relationship with someone far away and learning that they can do my work far more efficiently than I can, sure opened my eyes.
Now I can move on to the things I like to do, imagine, learn, create, and implement new ideas.
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In truth, at first i did understand it. But after re-reading I think i understand