Making Sure the Ship Doesn't Sink Without You

Published 27.12.2024 - Michael A. Di Palma

If everything falls apart the moment you step away, let’s face it—the problem isn’t the team; it’s you. Don’t worry, though—this is fixable. Leadership isn’t about being the glue holding it all together; it’s about building something that sticks even when you’re out grabbing coffee.

Here’s the playbook:

  1. Train Your Team Like Rockstars: Give your managers the skills and confidence to handle the chaos. 

  2. Write Down the Obvious Stuff: Processes should be so clear that your team doesn’t have to wonder, “What would the boss do?”. Leave them a cheat sheet that covers the basics so they’re not reinventing the wheel.

  3. Cut the Noise: Set up a system so they’re not calling you about every paper jam. Trust them to handle the small stuff and save the “Boss, we have a problem” moments for when it really matters.

  4. Loosen the Reins: Give your team the freedom to make decisions. They might stumble here and there, but that’s how they’ll learn to run things like pros. And hey, even you weren’t perfect when you started.

  5. Have ‘The Talk’ Before You Go: “Just a quick check-in”. Answer questions, set expectations, and make sure no one’s about to accidentally light a metaphorical (or literal) fire.

When you’ve done your prep work, you can take time off without obsessively checking your phone. And if things do go sideways? Fix it when you’re back. No one’s expecting you to be a superhero—just someone who’s set their team up to grow and improve.

Great leaders don’t micromanage; they build teams that can hold the fort. Do it right, and you’ll come back to find everything running smoothly—or at least not on fire.