Harrison Owen coined the “Law of Two Feet” at an unconference, backing Open Space Technology. If you’re neither learning nor contributing, you’re expected to pick up your feet and find something that sparks value. Hari Krishnan picked up this rule years ago and has woven it into his daily work habits. He argues it forces you to stay engaged and keeps your time from slipping into dead zones. In meetings, Krishnan says, attendance alone isn’t enough. Too many gatherings become passive obligations—empty chairs around a table. By excusing yourself when the agenda doesn’t serve your growth or input, you reclaim those hours for a project or research that moves the needle. You still track the meeting’s goals, but you don’t miss the moments that really matter. He stretches the idea to roles and long-term assignments. At the start of any new job or project, your learning curve soars; over time, it flattens. Contribution may stay strong, but learning stalls. That’s your cue to plan a transition—perhaps a new responsibility, a stretch project or an internal move. Sure, shifting focus carries risks, but if you backfill your current spot before leaving and map out the next step, the upside usually outweighs any hiccups. Sitting in a comfort zone feels secure, especially once you’ve mastered a task. But Krishnan warns that sticking around after you’ve plateaued makes both you and your team less productive. He recommends identifying that imbalance in learning versus contribution early, then using your two feet to restore momentum.