Strange messages

Have you seen an email "out of office attendant" message that reads along these lines?

"Sorry I didn't get your message . . . on vacation until . . . I will have only limited access to email, etc," (italics mine).

First, why would someone be sorry for not seeing a message while on vacation?

Second, why do people feel guilty for having only limited access to email while on vacation? Doesn't this builds an expectation that they are actually going to respond to a message, only a little later than usual. Therefore, vacation simply means emails are answered but with a delay?

What would happen if you didn't answer a single message while on vacation? What if the people sending you email had to make a decision on their own?

Consider this out of office message: "On vacation. Make a decision. You will most likely make the right one. If you do screw up – great! We always learn best from our mistakes."

How about this one: "On vacation. When I get back I will be deleting every email in my inbox. If your message was really important please send to me again when I return."

What if you actually did this [deleted the messages]? Bet you would have a great first day back from vacation.

Strange messages

One of the best leaders I had the opportunity to work with

Her expectations were clear – everyone on the team understood. She was firm. She also knew everyone as if her own children and cared for them deeply. She worked alongside her team; coaching them in a way that no would ever consider it coaching. She would never ask anyone to do anything that she would not do herself.

The product / outcome:

Virtually no turnover – other than which would be considered favourable. New hires that did not fit the culture of the business unit left in a short period of time, on their own – they just didn't fit.

Extremely low absenteeism; If someone had to be absent, it was understood that they would find a replacement for themselves. This expectation was accepted willingly as being a part of the team.

Readily and enthusiastically contributed to the greater team outside of the business unit.

Every member of her team was devoted to her.

Highly successful business unit – consistently within the top 5 of the entire organization.

She was a tremendous supporter and positive influence of any superior for whom she worked. I was fortunate to be one of them.

Thank you Donna for demonstrating so clearly what a great leader looks like.

One of the best leaders I had the opportunity to work with

There is no one capable

I must say that I am frustrated when I hear the phrase "there is no one capable," referring to succession – moving into a management role. Actually, it is not frustration – I'm angry. When someone says this, what they mean is: no one is smart enough, capable enough or good enough to do what they do." That is simply arrogance gone to seed! Far too many people put themselves up on a pedestal when given a title.

So I ask, "What I hear you saying is that among the many members on your team, not one of these people are capable of moving into a management position?" "What about this person (name)?"

"They don't want it," is the reply.

Hmmm, the manager works constantly, rarely takes time off, does not freely share information and continually complains showing frustration about their job and their role. I think I understand; if this [preceding sentence] is what a manager has to do, why would anyone, in his or her right mind, want to do that?

Everyone and anyone is capable of becoming a great leader. The only exception would be due to a mental illness (extremely small portion of the population).

Good leaders always develop talent- often unintentionally.

There is no one capable