Try to make yourself obsolete

The idea of intentionally making oneself obsolete challenges the conventional mindset about work and job security. Instead of striving to prove irreplaceability, this approach advocates for identifying inefficiencies, eliminating redundant tasks, and questioning the necessity of one’s actions. This intentional drive for obsolescence not only sharpens personal and organizational efficiency but also fosters innovation, growth, and meaningful contributions.

At its core, this philosophy encourages a critical reassessment of daily tasks. Are they essential? Could they be automated, streamlined, or delegated? By confronting these questions, individuals uncover a twofold benefit: eliminating unproductive work while understanding their true value within the broader context of their organization or personal endeavors.

The Inspiration Behind Obsolescence

The concept stems from a principle often cited in entrepreneurship: work *on* the business, not *in* it. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to design systems that allow their businesses to thrive without their constant involvement. This ensures scalability and sustainability. When applied in a non-entrepreneurial setting, the principle invites employees to adopt a similar mindset within their roles. The goal is to identify tasks that don’t require their unique skill set or could be performed more efficiently by others—or even machines.

For example, in my career, I’ve applied this principle by evaluating tasks like writing and editing. While I may take pride in my skills, tools like large language models (LLMs) can often perform these tasks faster and with comparable quality. Recognizing this, I’ve adapted by leveraging AI to handle routine writing tasks, thereby freeing myself to focus on higher-value activities that require critical thinking or strategic insight.

This practice doesn’t just benefit the individual; it strengthens the organization. When employees prioritize what truly matters and eliminate unnecessary work, the entire system operates more effectively.

Identifying Redundancies and Addressing Them

Recognizing redundant tasks requires self-awareness and a willingness to confront long-held assumptions. It’s easy to mistake busyness for productivity or to cling to certain tasks as a means of job security. Breaking free from these habits demands honesty and courage.

In my experience, assessing redundancy involves several key questions: 

- Can someone else do this task just as effectively?

- Could automation handle this process?  

- Does this task need to be done at all?  

- Is there a more efficient way to achieve the same outcome?  

For example, when I identified that AI tools could perform much of my routine editing work, I had to confront the emotional attachment I had to that aspect of my job. I realized that holding onto these tasks, whether out of pride or fear of change, was ultimately a disservice to my organization. By embracing automation, I enabled my team to allocate resources more effectively.

Balancing Efficiency with Core Values

Efficiency does not come at the expense of values; in fact, it aligns with them. Every organization should prioritize responsible resource allocation, including how employees spend their time. If a team member clings to outdated methods—such as spending hours faxing documents instead of utilizing modern communication tools—they not only squander resources but also hinder progress.

Leaders must foster an environment of trust and shared purpose, encouraging employees to evaluate their tasks critically. For instance, I encourage subordinates to regularly ask, *What am I doing today that someone else could do, or that could be automated or eliminated?* At the same time, I challenge myself to look at my own responsibilities and ask, *What could I hand off to someone else to free up my time for more impactful work?*

This approach creates a culture of continuous improvement, where efficiency becomes a collective value rather than an individual burden.

Continuous Improvement: The Path Forward

The journey toward obsolescence isn’t about avoiding irrelevance; it’s about ensuring your contributions remain meaningful. By eliminating tasks that don’t require your unique skills, you create space to take on challenges that truly matter.

This requires two complementary practices:

1. Regularly evaluating what tasks you can stop doing.  

2. Proactively seeking out new opportunities that align with your skills and organizational needs.  

For example, I’ve found success by asking superiors, *What’s on your plate that you don’t want to do anymore?* This not only lightens their load but also allows me to tackle new challenges that stretch my capabilities. Similarly, I expect my team to approach me with the same question, fostering a culture of mutual support and efficiency.

Conclusion

Making oneself obsolete may sound counterintuitive, but it is a powerful strategy for personal and organizational growth. By critically evaluating tasks, embracing automation, and seeking out meaningful work, individuals can ensure they remain valuable contributors while driving efficiency and innovation. This approach doesn’t diminish one’s role; it enhances it by aligning efforts with what truly matters. In doing so, we not only improve ourselves but also create a more effective and forward-thinking workplace.