If you were the boss and had you as an employee, would you be happy with your performance, or would you fire yourself?
Let’s pretend for a moment that you are conducting a performance review of your work. Evaluate whether or not your expectations as an employer are being met by your performance as an employee.
Employee Review Considerations
Do you show up late for appointments with yourself or others?
Do you show up at all?
Are you fully present for the task at hand?
Are you able to focus on an important job, or are you too easily distracted?
Do you miss deadlines? Do you only work when you feel like it?
Do you work on what’s important to the boss, or do you procrastinate and waste time? Do you catch yourself spending too much time on little things while avoiding what’s hard?
Do you return calls and emails promptly?
Is all of your communication business-like, or has it grown sloppy?
Do you take initiative or wait to be asked?
Do you only perform when there is a gun to your head?
Do you avoid tasks because you don’t know how to do them, or do you find a way to make them happen?
Do you make excuses or accept responsibility for your actions?
Let’s Think About This
I said above that we are pretending in this exercise, but we are not. Remember: you are the boss.
You are the owner and CEO of the business and your livelihood is at stake.
So do you give yourself a raise? Or do you fire yourself?
A nod to Pamela Bruner for asking this question of our mastermind group.
52 thoughts on “Would You Fire Yourself?”
Is today Deep Thought Thursday?
: )
Great question. And though I wouldn’t fire myself – I wouldn’t be giving myself a raise either. Thank heavens I’ve enlisted in your Art Biz Marketing Bootcamp!!
Yes. Of course it’s not as black-and-white as I made it sound. Glad you wouldn’t fire yourself, Marilyn. And so happy you’re in Bootcamp!
Well, if I was my boss, I’d give me a raise and a mandatory vacation. Honestly, I do work too hard sometimes and reminding oneself that a rest period is as valuable to a marathon runner as the time they spend in training, and nutrition is the most valuable advice this boss can give.
Janice: Way to go! Remember that people need varying degrees of rest, though it does seem to be important for generating ideas.
I read the ceo post and realize that I am not a very good ceo, yet. So, would I fire me? No, I’d get myself some training. First came some self study, now Bootcamp.
Reading the CEO post gave me sudden realization that I need to work on countering the effects of too often in life having been put down and told, “no.” Now that I know this, I need to schedule some risks in marketing and selling.
Excellent, Patricia.
I have applied this principle since I took the mindset that this was my Business – just like any other. It made a huge difference in my production, for sure. I set a 9-3 (When the kids left for school until they came home) schedule and made sure that all my friends were on board and knew I was at work in my studio taking no calls and doing no errands except for an occasional Friday. At my peak, I painted 50 paintings in 18 months, all full sheet watercolors (22×30) for a corporate exhibition. Another part of the business attitude was to make a new contact once a week. Didn’t particularly enjoy it, but it put me out there. I kept reminding myself that I would have to do the same for an employer, so it is better to do it for my own gain. Right?
At this point, I would be fired though, as there have been a few major life changes that have curbed my production. I am hoping to turn the corner this year though so that I can be rehired 🙂
Susan: This is a wonderful model for moms. I hope you’re back on board soon.
I would definitely fire myself, and then rehire myself using your list as a clear job description for my new position. Yikes! The great thing is, if I follow the parameters of my new job to a T, it should inherently bring me a raise!
🙂
I am using this post to re-organize myself. I often spend time on the wrong things. I am nothing if not professional, but I find myself promoting classes instead of my art or doing the business end rather than finishing a piece. OK todya I will work on better focus.
Lis: You’re not alone. I hope the refocus helps.
Wow, this brings me up short, although I hate to admit it. I would certainly have to see myself as a problem employee. I would have to say “it’s hard to get him to work, but when he works, he’s brilliant!” If I approached my “day job” the same way, I would certainly be in trouble. So now I need to find ways to turn that idea around, that is, to approach my “art job” the same way I approach my “day job!”
Hard to get to work? Is it because you’re wiped after day job?
No, I would give Janet a raise 🙂
Yay!
Well, I’ve had to do some firing back in the day. To keep from having to do that, I would set clear and specific goals for the employee and give them specific examples of what success looks like. Now I have to treat me as an employee and provide goals and clear examples. I’m so grateful for bootcamp now!
Happy you’re with us in Bootcamp, Pam.
IBM has a no-fire policy here…This is a new concept-paradigm…The idea that one cannot be fired, at all…
That is a powerful question. Everything you need to know about yourself in a working environment is contained in that question. You made me stand up and take notice.I am the boss of my life. Discipline has a real place in the world of an artist. Thank you.
Lillian: I would argue that discipline is critical for an artist.
I have to say – this question stopped me in my tracks. I think I might fire myself based on that kind of performance evaluation….which then only makes me realize that it’s up to me to be the employer and employee that I want and need to be. Thanks for this!
Marcie: That’s right. And you can come up with your own criteria.
YES.. I would fire me for sure. I wrote a poem about Frida Kalo…. she puts me to shame.
It is for Frida then that I write:
“Notorious Kahlo I Love You I Do – As I Stand in the Shadows Weeping For You”
Mexican art goddess
Frida Kahlo
Spanish gem
rebellious thunder
independent glamour queen
of a most glorious wonder.
Shocking conservative foes
dressing her canvases
with mirrors
from her very own
battered
and injured soul.
Notorious Kahlo
I love you I do
as I stand in the shadows
weeping for you.
If I do not understand
mine own pain
I will lust after Frida
and her soulful
honestly delivered
claims.
Mexican goddess
tears marked her days
you and I should remember
such courage
displayed.
Wounded in body
demons of the dark
yet despite convalescence
on canvas
this goddess
left her deepest remarks.
Diego Rivera
came into her life
murals of politics
and Mexican strife.
France did know them
an artists pair
who danced in their art scene
reputations to flair.
Ahh feminist Frida
I light candles to you
when alone in my closet
unsure of what to do.
Cult figure I honor
write notes on my door
remember Ms Kahlo
who painted her soul’s roar.
Who better to paint
than the one, one knows best
from cradle to grave
Frida revealed her own struggles
and difficult tests.
Vibrant colors
sure of her gestures
leaving no misunderstanding
Frida Kahlo said and painted
exactly
what her heart measured.
Sexuality not ignored
as some women do
Frido Kahlo said it all
as she thought her life through.
She gave herself freedom
creative displays
dramatic symbolism
gave us visions
within and without
her cast prison.
Within your bodies torturous doorman
your efforts to explore
courageous decisions
will forever ignite me
past the tunes
of simple
folklore.
Notorious Kahlo
I love you I do
as I stand in the shadows
weeping for you.
by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
Copyright 2014
Wow.
Did you write that in response to this question?
No, I wrote that some time ago. 🙂
“Take your brushes and your unfinished paintings, Jimmy, and don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” I’m about to feel the wrath of Carp!
That made me smile, Jim.
Wow! Thanks for the wake-up call! Although I had been pretty focused and productive before the holidays, I’d have to write me up for taking too long to recover from the holiday break. I would require an action plan with deadlines and follow up consistently.
Thanks again!
Monica: I had a slow start to 2014, too. Let’s forgive ourselves and move on.
Yikes! These questions and the CEO article strike an uncomfortable chord. I wouldn’t fire me, but I would certainly put me on probation, making sure I fully understand the habits and attitudes that the job requires. I would allow accommodations for my quirky work style, believing it to be an inescapable part of my creativity, but if those accommodations aren’t leading to income-producing outcomes, I would strongly encourage me to consider a different occupation.
I like you’re thinking, Jackie.
I will most reverently change what I wrote.. I am on “probation”. Get with it Kathy.. wth?
I love the poem, Kathy. We need fearless role models like Frida.
Thank you 🙂
I have been up and down and sideways..now at down. “Stop it”, I continually say to myself. Why can’t I get myself in gear? Each night before I go to sleep at night I tell myself I WILL do better. In the morning I think I “might” but I don’t. I feel like I am sinking. Art is who I am and all that I am and yet I abandon that child. It makes no sense.
Thank you Jackie.
Thinking of my lover as art.. I need to create ~ YES ~So that you love me still http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w-i5quw5xY
I love this Alyson! Now I can be boss (since I am in reality) and write down my assignments for me, my employee (which I also am). This will help me take out the subjective aspect and just do the work as I would if someone else were my boss. Great!
It’s an interesting perspective, isn’t it, Ginny?
(This is a response to the 1/22/14 email you sent, titled “Inside My World” of which this “Would you fire yourself” article was one section – so my numbers 1 and 3 don’t make sense to this article but they make sense in the world of Art Biz Coach! 🙂 )
Love this Alyson!
Things that really resonated:
1 — “The numbers will make it a reality.”
Not just true in YOUR case but, a good lesson for those afraid to or uncomfortable with handling finances or looking at numbers. I need to paste this on my wall, above my computer, and let it SINK IN. THAKS for saying it and putting this in the email.
2 – Would you fire yourself
GREAT LIST. I might put that list right next to “the numbers will make it a reality”.
3 – SO GLAD you are pushing video!!! I think video is helping ME a LOT these days…. I have jumped in a tiny bit to video myself. Nothing polished/scripted, but my feeling is, you gotta start somewhere! If I feel they are not up to par down the road, I can always remove a video later when I get better at doing them!) I’m finally getting over my video phobia now, which is a HUGE accomplishment. I will be ready to do your video workshop soon. It’s on my list.
THANKS for the great content.
🙂
kathy
Kathy: Thanks for being in the “world of Art Biz Coach.”
Oh No, I just found a pink slip on my desk! Kidding. However, when I do the work and it’s finally done, it’s always done well, but I have quite a lot of mental chatter to cope with. That translates into the need of focusing actions to completion and learning not to take on too many things at one time which is easier said than done.
William: Yes, we get so excited by new projects. Hard to stop adding them to the list.
I would not get an excellent review, but would be acknowledged for working very hard. I find when I am stuck in a slump being gentle with myself and doing something I want to do breaks me free from my inertia, allowing me to continue forward with must dos and greater productivity.
Wendy: It’s so important to know what you respond to. Good on you.
Me? I’m now to laid-back in retirement to care..I had no problem it was the rest of the world that was wrong!
🙂
No I would give me a huge bonus. I might say, ‘You know Barbara you could
use some help.’ Then I would get me some savvy assistance. I think my boss is lucky to have me, and should be proud of my strengths. I’m a hard worker, resilient and creative. Other people should perform the tasks I’m not the best at. As CEO I am working on that too. Great topic. It let me take me
out to lunch in my kitchen. Tip the salad was delicious.
Thanks for the great topic.
XOXOXO Barbara
I was scared when I saw this title! I thought I Would fire myself but after reading the questions, I am excellent at each of those tasks. The problem is I’m trying to so too much so I need help. I am moving a bit slower than I’d like to this year so I need to step it up & stay on plan. I would love to find time for another round of ArtBiz classes since I need a fresh look at my direction. Will need to evaluate the plan for 2014 & check back in.
Yes, because I know that I am not working at my full potential.