Leaders work tirelessly to build capacity in their organization. They get things done with and through others. Through that process, they create more leaders, increasing their impact, their span of influence and their ability to get more done.
In the military, we know that we’ll be leaving our job in three years. Because of the forced rotation of duties and career progression, we’re tasked with training our relief.
Shortly after I got off active duty, my boss asked me to create a turnover binder. She instructed me to include contacts, web sites, log-ins, and other information I used in my daily duties. I sent the file to her about a week later. She called me that evening, asking me if I was happy. “Sure, I was happy,” I responded, confused, “Why do you ask?”
“This turnover file reads like you might leave.”
I was stunned. “What?? You asked me to write it!”
“I ask everyone to write a file like this,” she shared, “and no one ever does.”
Being indispensible may feel like safety. In reality, the unintended side-effect is that you cannot move on when your next (better!) opportunity presents itself.
Leaders train their reliefs. They train new leaders. They ensure that they can be promoted and grab the next awesome opportunity that presents itself.
Succession planning is for everyone. Who are you training this week?