A lesson from my son.

Going into 7th grade, my son wanted to be a part of student council.  He campaigned and was elected.  He got experience promoting his ideas, speaking to large audiences, leading tours and putting together student-led activities and events. 

Going into 8th grade, his advisors and other teachers asked him to continue with student council.  Like me, they saw how good he was at it and how much he grew through the experience.  My son politely declined.  I was dumbfounded.  Then, I heard his explanation…

“Mom, student council was a cool experience, but there are a lot of kids that are interested, and I feel like I should let someone else get to do the things I’ve already done.  I want to focus on sports and try out for the basketball team.  I know I’ve never played before, but if I really practice, maybe I can take an open spot from a former 8th grader?” 

I couldn’t argue with that, and neither could his advisors.  And, you know what?  By some miracle, they formed two basketball teams this year, and my son got to play his first season.

So, how does this apply to the workplace?  Well, we often hang on to roles and responsibilities that are tried and true for us, sometimes to the point where we can do them in our sleep.  But in doing so, we don’t give other people the opportunity to try new things and advance their skill sets.  We also don’t free up time to move on to other things in our own career progression or personal development.

What is one of your roles or responsibilities that it’s time to pass on to the next person?