Who Picks Up Your Slack?
August 15, 2007 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
As a manager, you need to recharge your batteries. You get tired, just like your team. And when you do, you know that you are 1 of 1; that is there is likely nobody else in your organization who does exactly what you do. That means most likely you have to get everything cleaned up before you leave, go away for a few days, and then clean it up again when you get back.
But what about for those urgent issues that must be taken care of while you’re away. Who picks up YOUR slack? Do you have any methods for identifying and training these resources? Is this easy or hard for you? Or are you not really a slacker, and you take your Blackberry and/or your laptop with you on vacation and don’t really vacate, rather just shift the office to where ever you’re at today?
Hi Phil!
My last job I didn’t have anyone to delegate to, so it was easier just to take my office on vacation with me. It really was easier than the firefighting that was required when I returned.
On the other hand…if you’ve got competent people, there’s absolutely no reason (other than control issues) that you shouldn’t be able to delegate. Simply get the team together, determine who fits which tasks best, and finally, send an email to everyone who needs to know.
It’s a good developmental opportunity for everyone!
Happy Day!
Lora
Great stuff! Thanks for sharing some options Lora. Very helpful.
Phil,
You picked up a tad of slack for me this week. I appreciate your support and having someone to work with.
David
My belief is to let go and see what happens. I bet you it isn’t as bad as you think it is.
Timothy Ferriss talks a lot about this in his book, 4 hour week work.
Carl Zetterlund
Vacation time is no time to stop leading.
Whether a proxie is necessary or not, a leader’s time away from the office is an excellent development opportunity for others. I believe that responsibilities that can be delegated should be delegated.
David – fun to be of assistance. Thanks for being a great partner in crime!
Carl – That’s a great suggestion. I’m all for letting it go.
Troy – You are on the money. Everything your people CAN do, they SHOULD do. Empowerment is a huge key to success. Thanks for the reminder!