Are You Too Good at Your Job???

Are you too good at your job?

It happens… and… it’s a problem.

A VERY BIG PROBLEM!!

Now you might be thinking, “How in the world can being great at my job be a problem?” Well, if any of these sound familar... you’ll want to keep on reading:

• Your boss often says that she simply doesn’t know what she would do without you
• When your workload is heavy, you prefer to do it yourself because it would take too long to explain the steps to a colleague who is willing to help
• Your work processes are not documented
• Your decision-making process is a combination of experience and intuition – and the questions you ask yourself when deciding are not common knowledge

Even though it feels great to be told that you are indispensable, there is a very good chance being irreplaceable is holding you back. You may have even heard these dreaded words when applying for a promotion or an open position in your company:

“You are too valuable to this department for me to suggest you for that role. There is no one who can do your job the way you do!”

Even if your boss is supportive of you making a career pivot, you may have created such a strong brand that hiring managers can’t see you in another role. This happens to actors all of the time, and typecasting isn’t limited to the big screen!

If you are starting to think, “Oh my gosh!”…

• I HAVE made myself indispensable!
• There is no way my boss would support me being promoted or changing career paths.
• There isn’t anyone I can ask to help when I’m feeling overwhelmed or need a vacation.

Don’t Despair! Here are 4 steps you can start taking today that will get you out of the “Too Good at My Job Trap”!

Document Your Processes

You knew this one was coming. It’s not fun or sexy, but it is necessary.

In order to move on in your career, ask for help with a project, or automate manual work… your processes have to be documented.

Start by making a list of the things you do in a typical day or week. Then, start with the simple tasks. Once you get the hang of creating standard operating procedures (SOP’s) it’s time to move on to the more complex activities.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Open a blank Word document and capture notes on the tasks you are completing while you are doing the work.
2. Take screen shots of the systems, forms, and online searches you use.
3. Add notes at the bottom of each screen shot with instructions on the step. It’s helpful to use arrows to indicate which fields you are referring to.
4. Include notes on your thought process as you are making decisions (this is often overlooked)

The next time you do the task, pull out your SOP and see if you’ve left anything out. No detail is too small!!

Finally, ask a colleague to take your shiny new SOP for a test run. If they can do the task without asking you for assistance, you are ready to move on to documenting your next task!

Redefine Your Brand

You have two choices when it comes to personal branding:

1. Define how you want to be perceived and be deliberate in building your personal brand.
2. Ignore the need to build a personal brand. (Remember... everything you do, say, and wear will define your brand and how you are perceived.)

Your actions will create a brand that will propel you toward achieving your goals and dreams or put up roadblocks on your path to success.

Spend some time thinking about what you want your career to look like in 1 to 3 years. Get really clear on how you want to be perceived.

What you need to learn?

Who do you need to meet in order to make your career goals a reality?

Then take action!

Think of your personal brand in this way: You are walking down the hall and pass several of your colleagues and senior leaders on your way to a meeting. What do you want them to think as you walk by?

Create THAT brand!

Be Replaceable

Squash the notion that you are irreplaceable every chance you get! I’m not suggesting that you downplay your value and contribution. Just the opposite!

• Talk about how you’ve set up processes to be automated and / or more streamlined
• Share that you’ve created SOP’s so that others can learn easily take over your responsibilities
• Take real vacations!! Let your leader know that you have complete confidence that the person backfilling for you.
• Provide your process documentation and prepare your team for your absence. And don’t call to check in when you are out of the office. (No… PTO does not mean Pretend Time Off!)
• Have a prepared response for the times when someone says “Gosh, I don’t know what we would do around here without you!” Something like this will do the trick:

“I have enjoyed this position very much, and I’m looking forward to adding additional value as I move forward in my career. I’ll be sure to work closely with my replacement when the time comes to ensure a smooth transition.”

Talk About Your Career Goals

Do you talk about your career goals?

You should!

With your boss… colleagues… friends… and yes, on LinkedIn.

Start by sharing what you are interested in. Talk to people who are in roles that you find fascinating. Ask them which skills they find most valuable in their daily work, which organizations they belong to, and for recommendations on your next steps to secure a similar position.

Join LinkedIn groups and online conversations focused on topics related to your career interests.

Are you studying for a certification exam?

Tell people about it!

You’ll be amazed at how doors will open when you start sharing your career goals. People can’t help if they don’t know what you want… it’s time to tell them!

Soooo… get on out there and be fabulous at your job! Just don’t forget…

If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted!