No One is Irreplaceable, But…
You have definitely heard this said many times in some form or fashion.
“You’ve got some big shoes to fill!”
“How are we ever going to find someone who can do all that?”
“Oh no! Your organization is going to fall apart without him!”
Well, hopefully none of that pans out to be true, but I now understand better than ever why people say that. Our beloved and respected Communications and Programs Coordinator Kris is leaving, and many in the administration building are saddened. I’m certain as the financial secretaries and teachers find out about her absence, they will be disappointed as well. It is a set-back for the Putnam City Schools Foundation—no doubt about it.
I am the kind of leader who doesn’t need to know every aspect of my employees’ roles. I trust that they know their job, and give them autonomy to execute it. This is a good thing in some ways—heck President Lincoln did it when he filled his cabinet with people who were decidedly not like-minded.
But there are drawbacks too. I just don’t know what Kris knows. I knew some of it before she came, but her expertise, erudition, and autodidactic nature meant that I could trust her completely to handle her job.
What, now I have to trust me? ME?
I’ve got some learning to do for sure. But let me go ahead and ask for some pre-emptive grace from my Putnam City family. I am one woman. I can do a lot, but I can’t be two women, and I certainly can’t be Kris.
We will live another day. We will find someone who brings new perspectives and talents to the roles asked of my #1. The PC Foundation is in no danger of closing, but we will be slower until I get a person.
No, no one is irreplaceable, but dang it if Kris hasn’t been close!
by Jennifer Seal
September 23, 2021