#106: Think Different.

Freedom is precious. Being able to move freely is a privilege. The simple idea of «captivity», as abstract as it may be, can feel scary.

There was a time when so called redundancy rounds were nothing unusual. Cost reductions were the recurring theme and getting rid of staff was the way to go. It demonstrated to investors that senior management was willing to set ambitious targets and, more importantly, to act upon them.

I was lucky enough to have never made the list.

What might appear counterintuitive to some, I turned the process upside down. I made it my goal to make myself redundant by the time I was ready to move on. It worked three times in a row, which is a pretty solid track record. On the other hand, the competition in the «self-redundancy» category isn’t terribly high either.

So where do I stand right now?

Well, my current position isn’t very encouraging. There isn’t really anyone to blame, not even myself. Whatever happened happened for a reason. I didn’t raise my hand nor was I ready to walk away. I therefore better accept where I am right now.

The one thing that is certain is that I will need lots of energy and positive spirit over the months to come. And I won’t be the only one. They count on me. I rely on them.

I have two choices. I can choose to be a source of energy and positive spirit for myself and others or think and act like a «captive».

What lies ahead will be a high mountain to climb either way. No shortcuts and no easy way out. Making myself redundant over time still feels possible. Not today or tomorrow, but over time.

So if I didn’t think I was free, would it be enough to just «think different».

Apple paved the way.

It worked for them.