“I’m on it!”
“I’ve got this!”
“I’ll take care of it!”
“Let me handle this!”
These are phrases leaders love to hear. We love to hear it because we know it means that whatever issue or need has arisen is going to be taken care of by the one who says “I’m on it.” No babysitting needed.
“I’m on it!” gets rid of the bottleneck.
Leadership is about empowering others to expand influence or to scale an organization. “I’m on it!” is the equivalent of saying “I’ll take care of this, don’t worry. You focus on what only you can do.” Those who are willing to step up and take on responsibility free the leader to stay focused on priorities. This ultimately helps to keep the leader from becoming the bottleneck and creates more leaders.
“I’m on it!” isn’t about talent.
It doesn’t mean that the person has the most talent, it means they are willing to take ownership. They may not be natural, but they are willing to figure out what it will take to accomplish the goal or finish the project. It may take them longer than someone who is gifted, but they will get it done.
“I’m on it!” isn’t about skill.
Skills can be learned or outsourced. In a smaller organization with limited resources, leaders love to find people who are willing to tackle a project outside their given skill set. Small organizations and businesses can’t always hire specialists in multiple areas. They need someone who is willing to dig in and acquire new skills or at least be willing to research enough to make good decisions in order to outsource effectively.
“I’m on it!” isn’t about knowledge.
Knowledge can be acquired. In our modern search engine era, knowledge can be acquired very quickly. Leaders want an employee who is always learning. We want an emerging leader who doesn’t make excuses but actively seeks to stretch their horizons.
“I’m on it!” isn’t about experience.
There’s only one way to get experience…take on new challenges! Obviously as a leader I would love to have a person with experience take on a project. But more importantly, we want someone who won’t let inexperience be an excuse for inaction.
Hire people who eagerly say “I’m on it!” You’ll accomplish much more than you will if you focus hiring just on skill, talent, or knowledge.
Leaders: Do you agree? How do you find “I’m on it!” people?
Employees: Have you seen this principle at work? Does your boss see you as an “I’m on it!” person? When did you say “I’m on it!” to something you didn’t have the experience, skill, or knowledge to do?
