In this summer series, we’re looking at things we can do to gain insight into our businesses while giving ourselves a break from the being the boss.
As the title suggests, this idea is to do someone else’s job for a bit. Doing so is also an opportunity to give a senior staff member some experience in your job while you’re still around just in case.
There are a few reasons why taking a temporary demotion can be beneficial. First, it’s a chance to see how the current incumbent is going to teach you how to do the job, which is actually how they are doing it. You’ll find out quickly if everything is in line with what you thought they were doing and the way it’s getting done. You’ll also likely see inefficiencies that you can rectify, as well as any barriers to productivity.
Second, sitting in someone else’s chair gives you a different perspective of the organization. It puts you in closer touch with people you might not usually interact with, both internal and external. Chat them up. Ask them questions. Tell them more about the big picture that usually consumes your day to day. That will help them understand where they fit and why you rely on them to do their jobs well. A change in environment also boosts creativity and innovation, so don’t be surprised if you get some great ideas!
Third, being a cog in the machine, rather than the operator, will give you a much better sense of work flow and interdependencies between staff members. You’ll be in a position to notice who is actually doing what. It may signal the need to update the org chart or job descriptions, or even combine two positions into one. See what you see.
Yes, it is a bit unconventional, but it’s also an inexpensive and hands-on way to learn more about the business you’re in charge of.
