That is what I heard today.  “No one’s irreplaceable.” 

It wasn’t directed at me – but I suppose, indirectly, as it was their philosophy, it was.  Especially when taking into consideration the fact that this person has the power to replace me.

I beg to differ with this theory. 

I get the logic – of course I do.  And yes, you can fill a position with another body. But are they bringing to the table the same qualities as their predecessor?  Same skill set perhaps, but what about those extra gifts that are as individual as the person offering them?

In my opinion, the stance that no one is irreplaceable is incredibly short-sighted and unhealthy for a company’s growth.

Shouldn’t employers be nurturing, encouraging and teaching their employees to be some what irreplaceable?  Not to the point of debilitating the company should that person have to leave – but in the interest of success, shouldn’t you make your employees feel wanted and needed?

I hope I would do that.  If I were in a position of staffing a company, I would want my employees to feel valuable.

I personally give my all – and more, every day. 

And I’d be lying if I said I don’t punch things into overdrive when a customer compliments me, or I’m told I am excelling at something. 

If I feel appreciated, I want to thank that person by continuing to please them.

I don’t mean that employees should get a pat on the back for performing the job they’re paid to do. 

No need to put a gold star on finished work that should be finished.

But I do believe if someone is going the extra mile of their own volition, and in turn, making your company more successful, they should be acknowledged. 

If they are making your customers feel amazing and are loyal and hardworking, they should be recognized.  And, that person is, to a degree, irreplaceable. 

I was reminded of these lines from “You’ve Got Mail”

Joe Fox: It wasn’t… personal.
Kathleen Kelly: What is that supposed to mean? I am so sick of that. All that means is that it wasn’t personal to you. But it was personal to me. It’s *personal* to a lot of people. And what’s so wrong with being personal, anyway?
Joe Fox: Uh, nothing.
Kathleen Kelly: Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.

No matter how hard I try not to make work personal, or bring it home with me in my head – I do.  I care.

And when you spend more time with the people you work with than your own family – how do you disengage? 

Work can be bonkers.  Teddy Bonkers.  But, as long as I can put my head on my pillow at night knowing I did the best I could  – and as long as I stay VERY very grateful for having a job – it’s all good.