​Can our position or person be easily replaced in the office?

​​Look at this face.  Would it be possible to replace Kevin with his excellent reflexes, sympathetic ear, and consistent routine?  Perhaps if the neighbours house is more fun he may pack his litterbox and leave.  We may get a new cat, or upgrade to a kitten.  Or we may throw caution out-the-door and get a dog.   Kevin's unique personality and big paws would be missed but we would carry-on.  (Note:  Kevin is a little more than a co-worker relationship but the analogy still has value.)

​As with the office, when we leave, we can be replaced.  Our position my change or someone new may come and continue our role, but the company will not go under because we left.  Yes, when a hardworking and qualified individual does leave it can take time and money to get projects back-on-track, but the work will still get done somehow.  The work may not get done as well as your performance on the project, or it may not be as efficient, however, a company will continue to operate.  

​Good leadership values teams that work hard and team members that produce good product.  These leaders try to make individuals feel like they are bonafide contributors to projects and the firm so that they don't need to look elsewhere for employment.  If you are disgruntled with your position and feeling undervalued - you are not alone.  There is a lack of leadership in many companies which is difficult to change.  Unfortunately, if you leave, it will not cause the company to collapse.  It is best to converse with leadership about feeling undervalued and if they can't help you, or do not offer support for you to feel valued, then leave for your own self-recognition and not because you want to screw the company.

​There are instances where a very valued individual does leave and the leadership at the top is not strong enough to keep the ship sailing.  The downfall of the company can be slow and messy as new team members will not join the company or the company can't continually retain good quality staff.

​The employee and employer relationship should be equal - you are helping the company by offering your talents and in exchange the employer is paying you for your skills.  Both need to be treated fairly and ethically.

​Do your job well for your own integrity, then the worry about being replaced is unnecessary!

Oddly, Kevin has been come quite protective of his house and yard.  He doesn't share well with the neighbouring cats or dogs who pass-by and definitely not the rogue rabbit, (Harriett the Hare to be precise) who enjoys the occasional sleep by the shrubs in the front of the house.

​Perhaps the fear or anxiety of new team members or another individual being added to the firm is primal for us.  It may have taken Og and Zoga time to adjust to new members of the tribe.  If the new member will contribute to the clan effectively, if the new member can hunt, cook, or draw on the cave, OR if the new member will be better at everything and make Og or Zoga look like lame game.

​Being threatened by others we don't know or experiencing fear that our jobs are becoming redundant is a very  normal human feeling.  How we let the feelings take over our thoughts and job performance is what turns these feelings into abnormal behaviour that can cause chaos in our work and home life.

​If you are working at your best capacity, and you are regularly performing positively on your team, an added individual could be there to assist as there is more work to do than you realize or as you are a steady worker, your talents may be needed elsewhere and someone needs to take-over your duties on the current project.   If you are constantly confrontational and underwhelming, then you could certainly be tested by upper management to see if you are worth the aggravation - if you out-perform everyone.

​Fear starts our defence engines.  Senses become on high-alert and our focus turns to everything about the new member - what are they saying?  how are they saying it?  what did that mean? how do they dress?  when did they arrive at work?  are they staying overtime enough?  The best defence against this fear is ignorance.  Your performance and your work should be what you are concerned about.  How do YOU behave to others around you?  How do YOU contribute to your team?  How can YOU be more effective?  How can YOU be the best at what you do?

​Worrying about the office politics can use valuable emotional energy.  Sometimes decisions and actions are being made with knowledge that you should not be concerned about.  There could be potential projects coming that require more staff, or there could be someone in another department leaving and they want to see if this new member can work on a team.  A good leader will share enough information to ease the concerns of the team or firm so that fear doesn't run rampant and affect production.  Understanding that you are ALWAYS replaceable should be your motivation to do your best at work on a regular basis.  (​Can Kevin be Replaced?  will be the next blog...)

​After Kevin saw Harriett laying in the front yard, he proceeded to sit in her spot after she left to "leave his scent". 
I haven't seen her back for sometime.  Maybe by proving he was doing his job as a cat she found another yard.