Work Yourself Out of A Job?

“I work to work myself out of a job.” These words, or something very similar, were spoken to me early in my career by a wise leader. My initial reaction was pure confusion: “Why would anyone work themselves out of a job? That doesn’t make any sense!”

Fast forward about five minutes, and those words quickly became a mantra I live by every day.

For some, this concept might already feel like common sense. For others, like myself at the time, it may be the first time you’re hearing it—and your reaction might be just as baffled as mine once was.

We often believe that hard work, being indispensable, and having specialized knowledge are the keys to job security or climbing the career ladder. But in reality, these same qualities can hold us back. By becoming so valuable in our current roles—whether it’s a project or a position—we inadvertently limit our opportunities for growth.

The real key to advancing lies in sharing our knowledge, experience, and skills with others. By empowering our team members and peers, we enable them to take on more responsibility, grow their own abilities, and expand their networks. And yes, in doing so, they might become just as proficient—if not more so—at the very jobs we hold. We pass on the lessons from our own failures, mistakes, and successes, positioning them to excel.

Not only does this help develop others within the organization, but it also opens up our own capacity for growth. When team members feel stifled or underutilized, they may seek new challenges elsewhere, leaving the organization. But if we actively support their growth, allowing them to step into our roles fully, we create the space we need to take on higher-level tasks, broaden our skill sets, and contribute to the organization in new ways.

This approach creates a cycle of succession planning—one that boosts efficiency, productivity, and engagement. When applied at all levels, this model allows for more strategic organizational planning, fosters a culture of continuous development, and sparks the innovation needed for long-term success.

So next time you’re tempted to hold onto your work or knowledge, ask yourself: “How can I work myself out of a job?”