There’s an old adage that says you should make yourself indispensable to your employer. There’s a lot of wisdom that seems to be baked into that theory, but the truth is — it’s a myth. No one is indispensable.
Many people have gone through their careers with a false sense of security that they cannot be replaced. And then, when the old CEO retires and the new one takes over — they find themselves like a turtle on their back… struggling to re-right themselves in a world where they are no longer at the top of the heap.
It’s not a comfortable place to be.
We should never give ourselves permission to think that a company cannot survive without us. Unless you are the owner of the company and the only employee — that is simply not true.
Instead of thinking you’re indispensable, your attitude should be something like this: “I know they can replace me, but I’ll make sure they have a very hard time trying.” In other words — work harder… go the extra mile, then the second mile, and then some… be curious… be eager… be a team player… look for solutions… embrace a strong work ethic… be an asset.
Be more than they expected you to be. And then surpass those expectations too.
If something happens — whether it’s downsizing, new leadership and restructuring, or heaven forbid, something happens to you — you will be replaced. You won’t be irreplaceable. But you can leave some ginormous shoes to be filled.
⌨️ Denise@TheOfficeNerdNC.com
☎️ 336.413.7610
Colossians 3:23
