Recently, the company I work for, eHarbor, has decided to put a few individuals feet to the fire.  Basically, we have given them an ultimatum.  Perform, or go home.

I personally love this.  As the Chief Technology Officer, I demand this of everyone in my department.  They clearly know that even though they did something great yesterday, that doesn’t buy them much today.

So, now that my thoughts are out there, when is your job really on the line?  Am I a bit too extreme in thinking you have to prove yourself everyday?  Or can one rest on their laurels knowing they did a good job yesterday, or six months ago?
IMHO, the simple answer is you must prove yourself everyday.  Sure, some days there won’t be much to prove.  But why rest?  Resting is for the weary, I choose to believe that I am not the weary.  I am the  few, the proud … wait, I am not a marine, but I am not weary.  I am a leader and have to show it everyday.  I feel all should feel the same way.  Whether you are in a management position or not.  You need to prove yourself day in and day out.

Now the trick here is showing your manager what you have done and what you are worth on a daily basis.  That is a topic for another day.