I fired myself

Many years ago a great leader introduced me to this HBR article https://hbr.org/2009/12/why-you-should-fire-yourself and it always stuck. I recommend that you read it, it's great but I want to talk about how I have incorporated this into my development.

Whenever I feel like I am in a rut, when I am taking too much for granted I "fire myself." Today, as I return from a refreshing vacation, I have decided it is time.

That's nothing though, the trick is what comes after. When I rehire myself. How does that work?

I try to mentally do all of the things I would do in a real situation. I consider the culture, the compensation, the benefits, and the responsibility. I think about other options I may have. Then I accept the offer to rehire myself. This makes me realize how much I appreciate what I have.

Then, it's on to Day One - what am I going to do in this new role? First, I am going to be very objective. I am going to look at everything with a critical eye and make sure I am doing it the best way I can. I am also going to look at the work my team is doing. There is no pride of ownership, this is day one. If it is not adding value, then stop doing it.

Next, I have to come up with my 100 day plan. What do I want to accomplish in my first 100 days? What help do I need to accomplish those goals? Oh and also, since I am new on the job, I don't have to know everything. I need to let myself ask questions and make sure I understand everything to the fullest. I let myself acknowledge I have a lot to learn about this role and instead of that being a shortcoming, it's an exciting opportunity to grow into this role.

Lastly, I need to introduce myself around. This one can be a little tricky, because your team may think you have suffered a head injury of some sort. However, it's not all that hard. For you it may feel like an introduction but to them it just needs to be a connection, but something different. Be intentional. Ask them each a question you have never asked before. Tell them something that you have always wanted to share. Do something to refresh the connection. That helps add to the newness of the experience.

Also, you can let the team know you are doing this. Let them know you are undergoing a refresh. They may appreciate a restart of their relationship with you and would welcome the perceived "do-over" aspect somewhat. They also may choose to fire themselves as well.

Why do all of this?

Because we need to experience newness at times. Because we need to appreciate what we have and we need to get out of ruts.

I do that by firing myself and I don't do it often, but I do it when I need it. Today was one of those days, so today is Day One for me.