The Lottery Plan

Ok, the title is slightly misleading. This isn’t a plan to win the lottery. It’s the plan to transfer your knowledge to the someone who will do your job after you win the lottery. In some circles, this is called the Hit by a Bus plan (that seems… less optimistic).

At multiple times in my career, I’ve written a “transition document” for the person taking over my role. Maybe you have too. I outline all the responsibilities and relationships that are important. I describe the current state of projects and the issues I see on the horizon. I care about the organization, so I try to give the next person a heads-up.

I create these documents when I know that I’m leaving the role. But after two separate conversations last year (one with Jeff Narver and the other with Dawn Brushammar) I realized there might be some merit to building out this documentation while I’m in the role. In fact, focusing on articulating the present reality might capture more of the standard operating procedures required in the role – not just the current relationships, projects, and issues.

We all know that when an experienced person leaves an organization, they take their tacit knowledge with them – the know-how and local knowledge simply walk out the door. We frequently underestimate the value of experience (check out some of Dan Pontrefact’s most recent research).

Maybe it can be as simple as documenting your essential activities, using different time horizons: daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. What does your job look like when you think in these increments? Can you describe it?

Now, imagine winning the lottery. Fiji is calling. You hand in your notice and your Lottery Plan.

That’s how you finish well.

Inspiration

Conversations with Jeff Narver and Dawn Brushammar.