Overestimating Our Value
“What? You can go on long leave? I don’t understand how you can. Don’t you need to be around to make decisions?”
This was the surprised reaction of a colleague when he heard about my plans to take an extended break. I wasn’t shocked by his question as it reflects a common perception that leaders need to be ever-present, always in control, and constantly involved in every decision.
My response was simple …. “we should not overestimate our value”.
I explained that as a Director, my role isn’t to fight today’s battles, or tomorrow’s, or even next month’s. My job is to prepare for, and fight, next year’s battles. If my absence causes my team to struggle with day-to-day decisions, then something is fundamentally wrong and this can mean one of two things:
I’ve created a false sense of value
If the team believes they cannot function without me, it might mean I’ve unintentionally made myself the center of every decision. Perhaps I’ve clung to control, given off the impression that my input is always necessary, or failed to delegate effectively.
