It’s not often that we experience a leader break down or take a day of rest. In my mind, this phenomenon is similar to watching a father cry. Something that should be normal and acceptable, yet when it happens the world seems to stop…for some.
It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I found myself thinking about leaders and how their presence, or lack of, is somewhat indicative of their leadership style. When a leader is out we are quick to notice the office door shut, or that the morning announcements have suddenly lost their energy, but I wonder what else we notice when we stop and think about it? Is the staff lounge once again the hot spot, or has it become a ghost town? Do daily routines and procedures carry on as normal, or is everyone scrambling for someone to tell them what to do and when?
Most people want their absence to be noticed, however I must ask, to what degree do we want people to notice our absence? A simple text or emails saying “Get well soon,” an email saying “Enjoy your day of rest,” or better yet, “I’m so glad your back, everything was a disaster when you were gone!”
For me personally, the leadership style I yearn for is one supported by interdependence. A role similar to that of a river guide. Someone guiding a team and on the lookout for obstacles, but also someone who realizes they can’t do the job alone. Just like a river guide, a leader can’t do it all. It takes the support of a team to make moves, and it takes the strengths of each individuals to pull you up when the impact knocks you down.
So next time you are out, stop and think… am I a single point of failure or will they carry on down the river with a simple “Get well soon.”