'Everyone's Replaceable'

I've heard this phrase a few times whilst working in HR and it always makes me cringe. From leaders justifying maltreatment of an employee, or employees shrugging defensively in the midst of chaos.

It's upsetting because we all want to feel special, especially the ambitious amongst us. Whether it's competitiveness, perfectionism or a deep need to feel useful, these feelings are common and natural. So it's really disconcerting when the notion that 'anyone can be replaced' rears its ugly head.

Is it true?

I'm not sure it is. People have super powers that are irreplaceable. I've worked with someone who has no technical knowledge but their ability to influence is unrivalled. I've worked with people who are so thorough, it's painful!

These types of attributes often aren't taught. They're a result of DNA, life experiences and all the other complex things that make us who we are. So, arguably, anyone who naturally has a unique attribute is hard to replace, right?

I would argue any vacant role can be completed by a number of people- probably hundreds of people, or even a robot. No doubt that anyone (or any bot) who takes the position has some amazing superpowers for you to embrace.

But firstly, recruitment is hard and costly at the best of times. You might find yourself waiting months and months for an appropriate replacement. Then there's the time to bring the new starter up to speed, to build your relationship with them and for them to create their own team etc etc.

Secondly, for your 'replaceable' employee, consider what might you miss if they leave? It takes time and energy to understand someone, and maybe you've built a strategy with this person's personality in mind. Think about the new thinking you'll have to do with a new person in situ. Have you got the energy?

Finally, there's an element of 'better the devil you know.' With a current employee you may have a good idea of their skills and growth opportunities, bringing someone new into the fold exposes you to an unknown risk.

Sometimes the phrase 'everyone is replaceable' is banded around when an employee is considering resigning, and the leader doesn't want to enter into negotiations. Great emotional intelligence is needed in these scenarios. Is there an unfixable root issue with this individual and therefore they should be let go? Is this person's superpower something we could live without? Can we stretch the budget? Would that be fair to others?

The best leaders I've worked with find the special in all their team members. They foster, celebrate and encourage people's self expression, to cultivate a culture where everyone feels they belong.

I like to think that whilst jobs can be done by countless others out there, no one will do it quite like you. None of us are replaceable and it's important we all find a place where our superpowers are truly valued.